Phun


 * Physics Phun!! **

//What is it?//

“Phun is a free game-like //2D physics sandbox// where you can play with physics like never before. The playful synergy of science and art is novel, and makes Phun as educational as it is entertaining.”

//What can we use it for?//

This program can be used in many different ways to simulate the real world. Students can create animated machines with any kind of shape they can think of using levers, gears, motors and hinges. They are able to manipulate gravity, air resistance, density, and spring tension to explore how these affect movement. We as teachers can use this to get our students to explore chemistry, biology and especially physics. It allows students to create their own experiences with concepts that can be very abstract.

//Pros//

· Free · Totally interactive · Allows students to personalize their work · Animates processes to help understanding · Can be used to gain a holistic understanding of science

//Cons//

· Learning curve · Can get off task quickly · Limited in calculations and measurements (bit more on the fun side than technical) · Accessibility (do students have computers at home)

The next level up is a new program Algodoo, which is the commercial version of Phun. This program does cost money but it has a few more educationally relevant upgrades such as the ability to see the size of square shapes as you build them.

[|http://www.phunland.com] []