The Quantum Mechanics Visualisation Project
The QuVis simulatios are based on research into how students learn, student difficulties with quantum mechanics concepts and principles of effective interaction design. They aim to help students build models of quantum mechanics concepts by making the invisible visible, allowing students to collect data to see how quantum-mechanical quantities are determined experimentally, helping students make connections between physical, mathematical and graphical representations, and allowing students to compare and contrast classical and quantum behaviour under the same experimental conditions. Recently developed simulations include goal-and-reward structures with multiple levels of challenges to enhance student engagement. Key features of the simulations that make them effective for learning include interactivity, emphasis on time-dependent behaviour, comparison with classical systems and flexible use for a variety of learning goals. Student feedback informs all parts of the development process. Simulations and activities are iteratively refined using student feedback from individual sessions and in-class trials. For more details on evaluation studies related to QuVis, please see the Research section.
Most simulations include a problem set (activity), which can be accessed by clicking on the pdf icon below the simulation thumbnails. The activity problems aim to help students explore relationships between quantities, predict behaviour using the simulations, make connections between different representations and interpret physically the results of calculations. They promote guided exploration and sense-making, and provide scaffolding to progress from simpler to more complicated situations.
Activity problems with full solutions in editable format are available for instructors, and can be accessed by clicking on the lock icon below the simulation thumbnails. These files are password protected. Instructors are asked to email Antje Kohnle, ak81@st-andrews.ac.uk to obtain the password. Instructors are welcome to modify these activities as needed to suit their purposes.
All simulations can be downloaded for offline use by clicking on the download icon below the simulation thumbnails. The Flash simulations consist of an .swf file that can be run by dragging the filename into a browser window. The HTML5 simulations are downloaded as .zip files, and need to be unzipped for offline use. The simulation can then be run by dragging the .html filename into a browser window.
