LEARNING PHYSICS BY BUILDING COMPUTER MODELS – MOVEMENTS ON INCLINED PLANES
LEARNING PHYSICS BY BUILDING COMPUTER MODELS – MOVEMENTS ON INCLINED PLANES

Summary/Abstract: 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.

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