Activity-Based Tutorials

Home | Volume 1: Intro | Volume 2: Modern
Understanding How Students Learn | Teacher's Guide

M.C. Wittmann, R.N. Steinberg, E.F. Redish and the University of Maryland Physics Education Research Group

Volume 1: Introductory Physics

Overview
Classroom Materials
Software
Videos

Volume 1: Videos

The following videos are used in the Activity-Based Tutorials. Click on the image or the link to view the movies in your browser. To download, right-click or control-click and choose "Save As..." from your browser options.

Wavepulses: Propagation and Superposition

Amplitude.mov

Two identical springs have wavepulses of different amplitudes.

Shapes.mov

Two asymmetric wavepulses on identical springs

Stretched.mov

Two identical wavepulses on different springs, one stretched more than the other.

Opposite.mov

Two wavepulses travel toward each other on opposite sides of a spring.

SameSide.mov

Two wavepulses travel toward each other on the same side of a spring. Note that the interaction is strongly non-linear, but qualitatively correct.

Mathematical Description of Wavepulses

Wavepulse.mov

A single triangle-shaped wavepulse travels along a spring. The shape is modeled in the tutorial by a Lorentzian line shape.

In the tutorial, this video is analyzed using VideoPoint software.

Sound Waves

Candle.mov

A side view of a candle flame oscillating back and forth in front of a loud speaker.

In the tutorial, this video is analyzed using VideoPoint software. The data file for VideoPoint is located here.

Candle_angle.mov

A 3/4 angle view of a candle flame oscillating back and forth in front of a loud speaker. There is a dot on the loudspeaker whose motion can be compared to the motion of teh candle. This video is not used in the tutorial, but may help in instruction.