​OER-Based Innovative Designer Activity (Physics e.g. with Variables)

OER Used: PhET Interactive Simulations
🔗 https://phet.colorado.edu/

Example Simulation: Energy Skate Park

 

Problem to Solve

“How can we design a system that reduces energy loss and improves efficiency?”

 

Variables Students Vary (Design & Testing Phase)

Using the Energy Skate Park simulation, students vary:

1. Mass of the object
   – Observe how mass affects speed, kinetic energy, and potential energy.

2. Height of the track
   – Test how changing height impacts energy conversion and maximum speed.

3. Track shape / slope
   – Compare straight vs curved tracks to see effects on motion and energy transfer.

4. Friction level
   – Increase or decrease friction to measure energy loss and system efficiency.

5. Starting position
   – Change starting points to optimise energy retention and motion outcomes.

 

Student Outcome

Students analyse results from multiple trials, refine their design, and propose an optimized track design that minimizes energy loss—explaining their choices using data from the simulation.

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ISTE Alignment

The activity aligns with 'Innovaitve Designer' as the learners vary various variables and design a system that reduces energy loss and improve efficiency.

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