Review
John Hubisz and the reviewers of the Second Report.

Conceptual Physics, Principles of Physics, Experiment, & Virtual Physics Labs from Kinetic Books. CDs.

These are two physics courses with laboratory at the conceptual and the algebra–trigonometry Physics level on three CDs with chapters covering the usual introductory topics and several extra topics. It was impressive to see all the features built into the text. One can change the size of the font, one has the option to input highlights in the text, to add one’s own chapter notes or alter the path of content presentation using interesting links to the internet. Also there are narrators to read all simulation information, Quizboards, links and searches to other parts of the text, physics facts pages, virtual labs and online homework. Each of these features was tested and was found easy to use, informative and accurate.

The most outstanding feature is the animated simulations that accompany the introduction to each section in a chapter. The colorful and sound filled simulations are often very interactive and can easily get the students engaged in the topic.

The amount of textual material is about the same as what you would get in a typical textbook, however, it is supplemented with simulations, animations, audio, video, models and there are opportunities for self-assessment as well as homework. The price, of course, is much less than a standard text and the possibility of a site license in addition to the individual license available makes the per student cost even less. You can also print out the PDF file on the CD if you want a hard copy.

In chapter 2, e. g., an animated race between the tortoise and the hare is used to illustrate the concepts of constant velocity, positive acceleration and negative acceleration. The student changes the acceleration of the hare to beat the constant velocity tortoise to the finish line.

In chapter 5, the students can note the height, velocity and acceleration of a helicopter as they vary the net force.

In September 2006, The Physics Teacher published an article By Jim and Jane Nelson on “the Five E’s”. This CD textbook can be used in involving the students in all aspects of this learning cycle.

The first E is for Engage (the wow factor) and the CD simulations are great for this.
The second E is for Explore and the virtual labs for each chapter have multiple levels of difficulty that require the students to observe, take data and use physics concepts.
The third E is for Explain and Quizboard, lab results and teacher lecture/discussions will help students to personal understanding.
The fourth E is for Extend and online homework and internet links will help the students find applications of their new knowledge.
The fifth E is for Evaluate and in the learning cycle philosophy all of the steps in the cycle have an evaluation component not just an end of cycle test. This E can lead back to the other steps and ultimately lead to the first E, engage, on a new learning cycle.