LEARNING PHYSICS BY BUILDING COMPUTER MODELS - MOVEMENTS ON INCLINED PLANES.

This paper presents a methodology developed by the authors for a comprehensive study at high school level of some topics related to the movement on an inclined plane. The approach is interdisciplinary, aiming development of mathematical and programming skills of the students and improving the ability to use knowledge of Physics, Mathematics and Computer Science, simultaneously and in conjunction. The activities are finalized by the development of computer models by the students. VPython programming language is used for numerical modelling of the motion of the projectiles launched at different angles on an inclined plane, being obtained visualization of Galilei's parabolas. A navigable three-dimensional model is achieved, by exploiting the facilities of Visual package, with its graphical functions and procedures, and by using operations with vectors. For analytical modelling we used the GeoGebra mathematical software, and in this way we obtained a simulation of Galilei's theorem of chord, with generalizations inferred through the study of the implemented mathematical model. The GeoGebra software allows simultaneous work with algebraic and geometric representation of mathematical concepts, providing a visual intuitive support that fosters understanding of abstract concepts. To facilitate understanding of analytical mathematical model for movement on an inclined plane, we used a GeoGebra representation of the distance covered by the mobile as Riemann sums for speed versus time function. Thus, understanding the equation of motion becomes accessible to students in the ninth grade, even if they have no knowledge of integral calculus. By the graphical visualisations, the computer offers the student feedback throughout the activities of implementation on computer of the mathematical models. Constructivist learning principles are applied naturally, supported by a constant confrontation between the meaning assigned to mathematical relations and the obtained images on computer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]