9-13 July 2012
Africa/Johannesburg timezone
<a href="http://events.saip.org.za/internalPage.py?pageId=11&confId=14"><font color=#ff0000>SAIP2012 PROCEEDINGS AVAILABLE</font></a>

The Use of Models and Simulation in the Teaching of Thermal Physics

12 Jul 2012, 12:00
20m
Oral Presentation Track E - Physics Education Education

Speaker

Dr Spencer Wheaton (University of Cape Town)

Would you like to <br> submit a short paper <br> for the Conference <br> Proceedings (Yes / No)?

No

Abstract content <br> &nbsp; (Max 300 words)

Students generally find the ideas presented in undergraduate thermal physics courses very difficult to grasp. What is more, many traditional textbooks present the material in an extremely abstract way. However, several authors have recently started to favour an emphasis on explaining the behavior of macroscopic systems by focusing on the microscopic world. The ideas of thermal physics are then presented by application of simplified models. Such an approach is presented here, and it is shown how the use of computer simulation, including the Easy Java Simulation package, can enhance student understanding of fundamental ideas.

Apply to be<br> consider for a student <br> &nbsp; award (Yes / No)?

No

Primary author

Dr Spencer Wheaton (University of Cape Town)

Presentation Materials

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