OpenStax-CNX module: m32260 1

Algodoo in the Physics Classroom

Gregory Maust
This work is produced by OpenStax-CNX and licensed under the
Creative Commons Attribution License 3.0

Abstract
This module describes the benets of incorporating sandbox style video games into physics instruction.
Specically, it introduces the use of the simulation program Algodoo.

1 Video Games in Education

Culture as a whole is warming up to video games. Once relegated to dark corners of arcades and shopping
mall food courts, they have become ubiquitous in modern America. Despite their transformation from nerd
past-time to fun for everyone, they are still in the beginning stages of being used for education.
Sandbox games have great potential for a physics classroom. The classication refers to a game where
the user is free to create their own world and play in it  the game is a set of rules (like the physical laws
of our universe) instead of a story you simply play through. These games are great learning tools because
of the many controls they give the user. The passage of time, friction coecients, and initial conditions are
just a few variables among hundreds placed in your hands.
One of the most advanced sandbox games is Algodoo. It is a follow up to the noteworthy Phun, and now
includes optics in addition to the dynamics featured in many physics games. It not only gives great freedom
in creation, it comes with powerful tools for observation and analysis. Real-time vectors can be displayed
for forces and velocities, in addition to customizable two-dimensional plots.

2 How to Get Started With Algodoo

Your rst step will be to download the program from Algodoo.com, and then get to playing with it. For
your rst steps, the tutorials on the Algodoo website are hard to beat.
1
http://www.algodoo.com/wiki/Tutorials
The rst teaches you the basic interface, and simple structures. It is a must if you have never used Phun
or Algodoo before, but may be a bit slow paced for some. Fortunately, all of the instructions are given in
text, and there is no audio  you can skip ahead or pause to slow down to your heart's content. Some things
they do not mention are the in the program, your mouse's scroll wheel controls zooming in or out. There is
a pan button, but the easiest way to move the view is to hold down the right mouse button and drag the
mouse  but make sure you are not over top an object when you click (that rotates the object).
The second video moves on to using gears, dealing with collision groups, and other options. This is
one you do not want to miss. Because Algodoo is presented 2-dimensionally, not specifying which objects
should interact can create signicant problems (think two objects trying occupy the same point in space).

Version 1.1: Oct 5, 2009 2:25 am -0500

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1 http://www.algodoo.com/wiki/Tutorials

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By arranging items in collision groups, you are more or less moving them from foreground to background.
A good example is having vehicle wheels not interact with the body.
The third moves on to lasers, as well as changing materials. Unlike simpler simulators, every object you
create in Algadoo can have its fundamental properties changed  from mass to refractive index. You can also
create uids, though I would not recommend it unless uids are the focus of a lesson. Algadoo calculates
uids as huge groups of spheres, and calculating all of those interactions really slows it down.

3 Classroom Examples
Unlike other physics or sandbox games like Armadillo Run, Algodoo was created with education in mind.
The program was released just over a month ago, and as such examples of it being used in classrooms are
not available. However, their database of lessons already contains more than a dozen prepared lessons. It is
in the format of a wiki, and will eventually be opened for outside submission. One thing to note is that the
lessons do not feature prepared scenes  you must create them yourself.

3.1 Gears and chains, ropes and pulleys

This lesson encourages students to think about why power is transmitted in dierent ways. What are the
advantages of gears and chains compared to pulleys, or shafts? Students can design and/or create a system
of fantastic or reality-based design, and predict and evaluate its eectiveness.
2
http://www.algodoo.com/wiki/Gears_and_chains_ropes_and_pulleys_(lesson)

3.2 Rainbows

This is great way to explore the interaction of light with prisms. Students should experience a subject as
fundamental as simple optics rsthand, in real life, but a program like Algodoo can provide extensions to
complicated scenarios that are practical in real life. Students or the instructor can easily vary the size, shape,
angle, and number of prisms present, as well as the intensity and color of light.
3
http://www.algodoo.com/wiki/Rainbows_(lesson)

3.3 Water Tower

This lesson is a great way to connect physics with real life, through an engaging piece of technology. It
is easy to take water, and water pressure, for granted in modern life  but why is water so eager to come
out of the tap? In this lesson students learn about the basic principles of water supply systems, and
reinforce fundamentals in uids. Fluid dynamics feature concepts that are often hard to visualize, such as
the distribution of pressure in a uid. Algodoo's visualizations allow students to see forces as they happen.
4
http://www.algodoo.com/wiki/Water_tower_(lesson)

3.4 Arch Construction

Architecture is a great way to study static forces. It is not uncommon for a student to know of arch
construction, or that keystones are important  however, most do not know the underlying principles. In
this lesson, students learn about the important relationship between pressure and frictional forces. Arches
depend on the pressure of heavy building materials to provide signicant friction forces  without friction,
the blocks would slip apart.
5
http://www.algodoo.com/wiki/Arch_constructions_(lesson)

2 http://www.algodoo.com/wiki/Gears_and_chains_ropes_and_pulleys_(lesson)
3 http://www.algodoo.com/wiki/Rainbows_(lesson)
4 http://www.algodoo.com/wiki/Water_tower_(lesson)
5 http://www.algodoo.com/wiki/Arch_constructions_(lesson)

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4 Assessing . . . for the Classroom

4.1 Pro's

A simulation allows construction without the limitations of cost, practicality, or scale. It provides a source of
innite prototypes, and as such is excellent for the planning stages of projects like trebuchets. Furthermore,
the visualization tools do things that simply can not be done traditionally, like real time force vectors and
plots, created with a few clicks of the mouse.

4.2 Con's

The downside to anything as freeform as Algodoo is the potential for distraction and wasted time. Addition-
ally, it requires computers that may not be available. It requires that students have a clear objective, and
also spend at least some time learning the program's interface. It is an improvement over its predecessor
Phun, but it still takes some getting used to. It is also not perfect  care must be taken with collisions and
other snafus.

5 Considerations for Teachers

Like any technology, you should become familiar with Algodoo before using it in front of your class.
It may be best to have students plan before using the program, and work in groups.
If computers for the students are not available, have the students draw blueprints or otherwise brain-
storm ideas for you to create in front of the class.
Simulations are just that  simulations. They should supplement hands-on labs and experiences, not
replace them.

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