Using Computational Thinking Activity #1: Pendulum Simulation

Engage learners in computer simulations with the following pendulum simulations:

• Pendulum Lab from PhET Interactive Simulations from the University of Colorado Boulder – visit the website or use the embedded version below
• Simple Pendulum from MyPhysicsLab.com (requires Java web browser plugin)

Related Crosscutting Concepts:

• Cause & Effect
• Scale, Proportion & Quantity
• Systems & System Models
• Structure & Function

Related Disciplinary Core Ideas:

• Core Idea PS2: Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions
  • PS2.A: Forces and Motion
  • PS2.B: Types of Interactions
  • PS2.C: Stability and Instability in Physical Systems
• Core Idea ETS1: Engineering Design
  • ETS1.A: Defining and Delimiting an Engineering Problem
  • ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions
  • ETS1.C: Optimizing the Design Solution