MEI Conference 2008
Mechanics Carousel Information Sheet
Below is a list of links to the online materials that were in the Mechanics Carousel.
If you would like more information on any of them then you may wish to contact
Stephen Lee (Stephen.lee@mei.org.uk) in the first instance.
1. ‘Flash’ Mechanics Examples: www.meiresources.org/flash/mechanics/
These were produced by MEI’s Tom Button and are still under development.
We are looking into producing ‘Teachers’ Notes’ to accompany them. An
exemplar document is available upon request.
2. Magic of Mechanics Worksheets: http://nagty.lboro.ac.uk/pages/resources.html
A series of experiments and investigations that were designed and
developed to support enrichment programmes for ‘Young Gifted and
Talented’ students, from Primary to Post-16 level, at Loughborough
University.
3. IP Maths: www.fable.co.uk/ipmaths.htm
IPMaths is a mechanics modelling program that allows teachers and
students to build, model and measure mechanical systems. It comes with a
library of example models for A level mechanics modules and is already
used by maths departments in 500+ UK schools and colleges. Examples
can be seen at: www.fable.co.uk/media/ipmaths/webhelp/ip.htm
4. MechanicsTutor Prototypes: www.symplekta.co.uk/MTpreview/
The developers of MathTutor (www.mathtutor.ac.uk) and MEI staff have
teamed up to produce some prototype MechanicsTutor resources. These
are still in development and are aimed primarily at a university audience of
students who need some refreshing of mechanics from A level.
5. Virtual Physics Laboratory: www.vplab.co.uk
This software has several uses in mechanics and mathematics modules. It
also allows for practical experiments by using simple equipment like a
microphone.
6. Geogebra: www.mei.org.uk/ict/
This is a piece of geometry software which has the capabilities to be used
as a tool to construct mechanics examples. On the MEI webpages under
ICT there is a set of examples which constitute a past M1 paper.
7. Personal Tutor
This is a piece of software developed by the publisher Hodder Education. It
gives electronic line-by-line worked solutions with voiceover. This will be
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used in the forthcoming M1 revision guide due to be published in
September.
Other internet materials
(Please note that we are only drawing your attention to such sites and you should
check the terms and conditions before using such material)
Projectiles site
www.crocodile-clips.com/absorb/AP5/sample/010105.html
Motion – Open University
http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/mod/resource/view.php?id=245527
Mathcentre mechanics leaflets
www.mathcentre.ac.uk/students.php/engineering/mechanics/
Practical experimental apparatus
1. Leeds Mechanics Kit.
This kit which contains various apparatus was developed some 20 years
ago and so this should be borne in mind if purchasing. This formed the
basis of the Magic of Mechanics events although it was brought up to date
with the addition of the use of digital cameras etc. There is also a useful
workbook containing 50+worksheets that are associated with experiments.
Please get in touch if you require information on suppliers.
http://www.philipharris.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?cat
alogId=10501&storeId=72&productId=283515&langId=-1&search=true
2. MEI Coursework Bank.
MEI has a bank of tasks which were previously coursework items in
mechanics modules. It is being considered if these could be revived as
individual practical tasks. We welcome your feedback on this idea.
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