Modeling Workshop Project



Modeling Method of Physics Instruction

Computer Hardware and Software Recommendations

I. Introduction

There is little doubt that computers can be an effective tool in the physics classroom, serving not only in the collection and analysis of data in the lab, but also for modeling and simulation of physical systems and processes. The choice of the computer system, interface and probes and software that best meets the needs of a particular classroom can be a difficult task. The recommendations in this document are based on experience with systems currently in use in high school physics classrooms in a number of states as well as a view to keeping pace with future developments in computer software and the use of the Internet as a resource.

The infusion of technology into the classroom is a key component of the Modeling Instruction Program, but it is secondary to the pedagogical reform we are hoping to bring about. Whatever your current situation, we feel that you should be ready with a plan for upgrading to more powerful computers should some grant, district funding, or business partnership enable you to do so.

2. Basic Components

This document includes specific recommendations for both PC and Macintosh systems. Which platform (Mac or PC) you choose depends on your familiarity with the computer as well as its availability. Interfacing software and probes are available for both systems. High school teachers report that it is easier to network multiple Mac's to a printer than PC's. We have made specific recommendations for each platform. We recommend one computer for every 3 students. "This number yields good peer learning, yet does not exclude students as a group approaches a given task. Typically, one student will control the computer, another will manipulate any associated apparatus, and the third will direct the work. If students rotate through these tasks, everyone will be guaranteed an active learning experience."[1]

It must be emphasized, however, that these computers need to be dedicated for your classroom use! Having access to a computer lab every 2nd Tuesday will simply not work. The use of computers we envision is fundamentally different from the typical teaching situation in which students are word-processing or using page-turner software.

The teacher also needs a computer, for lesson development and demonstration purposes. This computer should be coupled to some means for displaying a larger image for group viewing of a screen image. This could be a large (27" or greater) monitor, or an LCD panel for an overhead projector; better yet is an RGB projector (Proxima 5800, LitePro 210, etc).

To meet project goals, the physics classroom should have multiple workstations, with the computers networked to a single shared laser printer; an acceptable alternative is have one dot matrix or inkjet printer for every two workstations. Laser printers have a greater initial price, but produce better copies at lower cost and are much quieter than inkjet or dot matrix printers.

Each workstation will need some interface device, a variety of probes and software that will enable students to use the computer to collect and analyze data in the lab. Students should also have ready access to word-processing and spreadsheet software. We also recommend that the workstations be powerful enough to run simulation software that is becoming widely available.

You may desire to network your computers to a file server. Although it adds a new level of complexity in administering the system, a basic network can greatly simplify the loading of new software, and it is necessary if you wish to have your students tap into the resources to be found on the Internet. However, the installation of network cables and network interfaces can cost as much as $20 - 150 per computer. Unless the district can provide the services of a network administrator to set up and help maintain the system, an individual teacher should not consider the installation and maintenance of a network and file server. On the other hand, networks for printer sharing are relatively inexpensive and easily set up for both Macintosh and PC systems. Keep in mind that these print-sharing networks are not readily expanded to the uses described above.

3. Equipment recommendations - Macintosh

With models and prices changing as often as they do, any set of recommendations referring to specific models runs the risk of being obsolete as soon as it is in print[2]. There is one rule of thumb you can safely rely on: any Macintosh computer capable of running System 7.5 with 8 MB RAM will meet the minimum project needs. However, these computers will prove frustrating to use without the purchase of additional RAM. For PowerPC machines, memory requirements and prices vary considerably. One can purchase older machines from 3rd party vendors (found in the back of trade magazines such as MacWorld), or perhaps you might find some local business willing to donate (for a tax write-off) PowerMacs or 68K machines (CPU's using any of the 68000 series processors; e.g., the LC or Performa families) to your school as they upgrade their workplace. While the LC040 processor is fast enough for most lab applications, PowerPC computers are needed to run the latest lab and simulation software. Earlier generation PowerPC computers are a very good deal, if you can find a company looking to upgrade to G4 models.

From the Apple K-12 Store

|iMac |400MHz PowerPC G3, 512K L2 cache, 64MB SDRAM | |

|(for student use) |10GB Ultra ATA drive, CD-ROM, RAGE 128 Pro w/ 8MB |$799 |

| |10/100BASE-T Ethernet, 56K internal modem, 15-inch display, two USB ports, two FireWire | |

| |ports | |

|iBook |12.1-inch TFT XGA display, 500MHz PowerPC G3 | |

|(for portability) |256K on-chip L2 cache, 64MB SDRAM memory |$1199 |

| |10GB Ultra ATA drive, CD-ROM drive, 8MB video memory | |

| |10/100BASE-T Ethernet, 56K internal modem, RGB video output, two USB ports, FireWire port,| |

| |AC adapter,battery | |

|iMac |iMac 500 MHz PowerPC G3, 256K L2 backside cache, a 20GB hard drive, 64MB of SDRAM for | |

|(for teacher use) |memory, DVD-ROM with DVD video playback, and Rage 128 Ultra video card with 16MB of SDRAM.|$1099 |

| |Each iMac includes FireWire, VGA out, iMovie, iTunes and both are AirPort ready. | |

4. Equipment Recommendations - Windows-compatible.

As with Macintosh systems, information regarding the configuration and price of the plethora of Windows-compatible models available changes rapidly. The minimum model that will support microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) interface and probes must have at least a 386 processor. Simulation software (such as Interactive Physics) requires you to work with 486 machines or better. The faster 386 machines will run Windows 95; with this you can set up a small network to share files and printers (with at least one printer for 4 machines). You will most likely want to use a computer with at least a 150 MHz Pentium (or equivalent) processor.

You can get the latest K-12 institutional price information by pointing your browser to . Once there, you will be required to register for an account with your name and information about your school, including the tax-exempt identification number for your school, in order to get price information for a variety of systems. A couple sample systems are listed below.

|Model |Description |Unit Cost |

|Gateway |800 MHz Intel Celeron processor, 128 MB RAM, 10 GB hard drive, CD-ROM, integrated | |

|V800CSE |Intel 3-D graphics, 15" LE500 monitor, 10/100 Ethernet |$699 |

|Dell Optiplex GX50 |800MHz Intel Celeron processor, 64 MB RAM, 10 GB hard drive, CD-ROM, 15" Dell | |

| |monitor, integrated DVMT video, 10/100 Ethernet |$824 |

5. Interface and Probes

On the last page is a list of the interface and probes recommended to implement the experiments recommended by the Modeling Instruction Program in your physics classroom. We recommend Vernier Software and Technology’s[3] hardware and software for both Macintosh and Windows systems. The equipment is simple and durable, reasonably priced, and the company provides excellent technical support. If you have a problem with a piece of equipment or software that can't be resolved over the phone, you can usually return it and a replacement is mailed to you immediately. In 2000 the new LabPro, an alternative to the ULI, became available. The LabPro can only be used with LoggerPro (which means that you need at least a PowerMac or a 486 at 66Mhz with 16Mb RAM and Windows 95). It has some nice features, such as the ability to collect and store data without being connected to a computer. This makes it ideal for classrooms with only a few computers. Other probes (pH, radiation detectors, pressure sensors, etc.) are available, but are not required for this program.

PASCO Scientific's Science Workshop Interface has also been used in Modeling Instruction Workshops.  PASCO's Science Workshop 500 Interface performs the same function as Vernier's LabPro. It too has the ability to collect and store data without being connected to a computer, thus making it ideal for classrooms with only a few computers. PASCO has a comprehensive line of sensors very similar to those carried by Vernier. In addition, Vernier's probes that have a DIN connector can be used with the 500 Interface (these have a DIN code in their catalog).

If you have USB-capable computers, you may want to look into PASCO's new PASPORT sensors, which plug directly into the USB port on your computer without an expensive interface. A full range of these sensors are available including force, motion, and a photogate adapter that allows existing photogates to be used with the USB port of your computer.  In addition, the new Xplorer datalogger allows data to be collected away from the computer when used with PASPORT sensors. Once in the Xplorer, data can be reviewed directly on the display or easily downloaded to a computer using the USB port. For additional information you should contact PASCO or visit their website[4].

CBL

The Texas Instruments Calculator-Based Laboratory (CBL) data collection system was designed for science and math students in high school and college. The CBL interfaces with a

TI-83 calculator in such a way that it can gather data and transfer it to the lists in the calculator for subsequent manipulation. The CBL comes with three probes that students can use to measure temperature, light intensity and voltage. With optional adaptors, most of the Vernier probes can be used. Note: the Hall effect force probe cannot be used with the CBL.

The CBL[5] is a rugged hand-held device that will allow data collection outside the classroom. It can be connected to a Mac or IBM-compatible computer via TI-Graph-Link (hardware and software) so that data can be downloaded to the computer and programs can be uploaded to the calculator. Vernier's latest version of Graphical Analysis will now allow you to readily import data from two lists on the TI-83 into Graphical Analysis for manipulation and printing using your computer. Some recent prices are: CBL-2 system ($166), TI-Graph-Link (USB-$55), AC adaptor ($10), TI-83+ calculator ($98), TI-83 Viewscreen package ($400). While the CBL/TI-83 system will allow your students to collect and analyze data, it is our view that these tasks can be more effectively done using the microcomputer and computer interface. We see the CBL/TI system as a supplement, rather than a substitute for the microcomputer/interface system.

CASIO, Inc has developed its own hand-held calculator-based laboratory system, the EA-100. This data collection device ($176) interfaces with the CFX-9850G calculators; when linked with Macs or PC’s, you can upload data to the computer or download programs to the calculator. These devices have roughly the same features as their TI counterparts. The CASIO calculator is, in many respects, easier to use than its TI counterpart. You can point your browser to for the latest updates on the CASIO system.

6. Miscellaneous

Depending on your room design and security considerations, you may also need to obtain multi-level carts for the computers and printers. These run anywhere from $200-350. Bretford makes a compact cart (24" x 18" x 32" high) with pull-out shelves for keyboard and printer.

Another item you should have is a surge suppresser for each computer (≈$15).

While the acquisition of the equipment is a one-time purchase, you must not forget such incidentals as printer paper, ink or toner cartridges and diskettes. It is not unreasonable to go through a carton of paper per section per year. You need to obtain a commitment for continued support after the initial investment.

Hardware and Software for the High School Physics Classroom

Summary of Costs

Computer system (Mac or PC)

Student version $800 - $1100

Teacher version $1100 - $1500

Networked laser printer $900 - $1500

or ink-jet printers $100-200 each

Printer network $300 - $1000

MBL hardware & software (essential)

Vernier LabPro $220

Logger Pro (newer Windows and PPC Macs) $59

Motion Detector $64

Photogates (2 for each LabPro) $41 each

or Photogate kit (requires assembly) $9 each

Dual range force sensor (minimum: two/classroom) $99 each

or PASCO Science Workshop 500 interface (includes software) $239

PASCO motion sensor (PASPORT motion) $85 ($109)

PASCO photogates (2 for each interface) $35 each

PASCO 12-V student force sensor (min. two/class) (PASPORT) $119 each ($129)

PASPORT voltage/current ($79)

MBL hardware (optional)

Direct-Connect temperature probe $29

Low g accelerometer $90

Microphone $35

Smart Pulley (PASCO) $85

Light sensor $45

Software (productivity)

Graphical Analysis (site license - Vernier) $50

Word processor, spreadsheet, graphics bundle such as

AppleWorks 6.2 ships free on iMacs and will open MS Word & Excel files

or Microsoft Office (2000 -Win) $179-single ($79 ea-site)

or (2001-Mac) $199-single ($79 ea-site)

Optional simulation software

Graphs & Tracks (PAS) $140 ($350 site)

Conceptual Kinematics Tutorial (PAS) $140 ($350 site)

Freebody (PAS) $100 ($250 site)

EM Field (PAS) $140 ($350 site)

Electric Field Hockey (PAS) $140 ($350 site)

Geometric Optics (PAS) $100 ($250 site)

VideoGraph (PAS) (for Mac) or $150 ($375 site)

VideoPoint (PASCO, for Mac or PC) $167 teacher, $52 student

World in Motion (for PC’s) (Physics Curriculum & Instruction) $160 ($295 10-pack)

Interactive Physics (Knowledge Revolution. PASCO prices) $249 ($995 10-pack)

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[1] A Model for Computers in the High School Physics Classroom

Physics Courseware Evaluation Project, Dept of Physics, NCSU, Raleigh, NC

[2] Point your browser to to get K-12 educational prices on various systems.

[3] Visit for product information. Call (503) 277-2299 for a catalog.

[4] Point your browser to for product information, or call 1-800-772-8700 for a catalog.

[5] Point your browser to for more information.

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