Review of SimplePhysics by Kathy Burdick

Name of App: SimplePhysics

Free or Fee: Free! (For a limited time)

Rating: 5/5 stars

Why I like it: SimplePhysics is a fun way to explore the great world of physics! It is composed of levels and each level has the user building a structure using a blueprint design that must hold a pre-determined amount of weight. Once the structure is built, it is put to the test by slowly adding the weight. If the structure does not collapse, the user moves onto the next level, otherwise, modifications need to be made until the structure can support the weight. For an adding twist, each bar added to the structure cost money and the user must stay under budget. If the cost exceeds the budget for the given level, the cost tracker turns red and bars must be removed to bring the cost within budget. The two most helpful options to use while building the structures are:

1. Finger test- allows the user to place force on parts of the structure to see how stable it is.

2. Colored bars- the building bars go from blue to green and as weight is added areas that are under stress turn red. This allows user to see areas of weakness within the structure.

3. Email- send your blueprint structure to friends/teacher/parents to show them what you have come up with- or for assistance.

SimplePhysics is a great accompaniment to students learning about Newton’s Laws. Students can work individually or in teams to come up with solutions to building the structures then email them to teacher. Students/teams can make predictions about which type of structure will be the most sturdy and why. They can also compare their various trials to help identify which type of structure is better. Prizes could even be awarded to the individual or team that completes all the levels or the fewest attempts made per level. Allow students to apply their physics knowledge by using SimplePhysics!

Visit Kathy's website for more tips on using apps in the classroom!

Bubble Ball ~ A deceptively easy physics game

Name of App: Bubble Ball

Grade: Late Elementary and above

Cost:  Free

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.
                      Requires iOS 3.1 or later
                      **Also available for Android 2.2 devices Android Link

Purpose: A

At first look, this appears to be a simple, problem-solving physics game with simple, almost basic graphics. If you’re looking for advanced animation and bells and whistles, then this is not the app for you. However, if you’re in the market for an app that will test your thinking and problem-solving ability, as well as snaking in a little basic physics skills, then Bubble Ball is it!

The premise is simple. You need to get the ball from point A to point B. You are given a variety of pieces, made from wood and metal, as well as ‘power-ups’ which can accelerate or decelerate the ball’s speed or even reverse gravity. Wood pieces are affected by gravity when you hit Start, while metal ones stay where you place them. There are 32 levels at the moment, each one slightly more difficult than the last! You have the ability to change the color of the ball, as well as start at any level you desire.

Program Functionality: A

The program is pretty intuitive and user-friendly. The developer, has placed several screenshot tutorials that describe the function and ability of each piece that you will encounter during this addictive game.


Overall Educational Value: A

I feel that this definitely has a high educational value when combined with physics concepts during classroom instruction. This allows even the elementary students to put into action, the basic concepts of gravity, force, and speed.


Recommendation: A 

I recommend this app, as it allows for a high level of problem-solving and interactivity from the student. I have had students in my 5th grade classroom beg to play this app and have even downloaded it on their own iTouch devices!

Did I mention that the developer, Robert Nay, is a 14 year old 8th grader from Utah. He has successfully managed to unperch the mega-popular Angry Birds from the number-one spot on the free games list in mid-January with over 7 million downloads! Aside from being a pretty cool game, that is the one piece of information that has really hooked some of my students into thinking and planning their own games!


Developer Website: http://www.naygames.com/

iTunes Link: Bubble Ball

Reviewer Name:    Cheryl Lykowski

App Review: Physics 101 SE Jr

Physics can be a very daunting class at the high school and especially at the college level. There are so many formulas to use and remember that it can become very confusing. Physics 101 SE Jr makes this just a little bit easier. This app is basically a calculator to help you solve for any unknown in various physics equation in kinematics (8 equations), projectile motion (8 equations), dynamics (4 equations), work (4 equations), and energy (6 equations). It is as simple as putting the known variables into the equation and solving for the unknown. Additionally, it defines each of the equations and explains how they are used in simple English.

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