Physics By Design

Barbara Bratzel, 2005, 167 pages. Physics by Design is the basis of a project based course that teaches classical mechanics through engineering.

• Covers motion, forces, fluids, stability, work and energy
• Topics are approached from an engineering perspective, with building and designing reinforcing the conceptual physics material and vice versa
• Much of the engineering is done through LEGO, including the LEGO RCX, a brick that contains a programmable microcomputer. The RCX is programmed using ROBOLAB, an icon-based programming language
• The book is divided into 6 parts. Programming in ROBOLAB at all levels of Pilot, Inventor and Investigator is described. The programming is coupled with activities where the students build devices, conduct experiments and compete in races. Part 4 is devoted to projects, and part 6 to physics experiments that challenge students to think
• Suitable for Key Stages 3, 4 & A Level (ages 11 to 18)