virtual physics lab

Today we were in the computer lab using "Crocodile Physics" simulation software.
We were working through a 4 page assignment that we will continue to work on in the Block period for a while Wed/Thurs.
The purpose of the simulations was to use some software to more quickly visualize the circuits that we have been building.
Most of the things that we do in the lab we can do in the simulation. Maybe not as fun... maybe more fun... than real life.
Certainly quicker to setup and measure with.

The focus of a lot of this is to gain a deeper understanding of electrical current (measured in Amps, or miliamps).
The other terms we are introducing are power (in Watts) and voltage (in Volts).
CAREFUL! People confuse these different terms a lot. Don't!

We will have a quiz on either Friday or Monday.
And we will continue to work on these labs for a while.

I will be putting a link to the croc physics software online so you can get a zip copy to try out at home. In the meantime, the software is available on the network at school, accesible from any computer in the school.

Here's a few places you can go for extra fun reading.
Besides your textbook...
try this: Physics Virtual Classroom