Tracker

The Tracker tool extends traditional video analysis by enabling users to create particle models based on Newton's laws. Because models synchronize with and draw themselves right on videos of real-world objects, students can test models experimentally by direct visual inspection.

Learn more about Tracker

Featured Tracker Package

Measurement of the Solar Rotation Rate with Tracker
The Measurement of the Solar Rotation Rate with Tracker Lab uses the Tracker video analysis tool to measure and analyze the motion of sunspots to determine the solar rotation rate.  This lab uses 31 still images taken 1 day apart of the Sun.  Images taken by the SOHO satellite.
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Curriculum Packages

OSP curriculum packages combine computer simulations with tutorial materials and student worksheets. Packages can be modified to meet the needs of faculty and students

Browse curriculum resources by topic and learn how to customize packages

Featured Curriculum Package

An Introduction to Computer Simulation Methods (EJS Adaptation)
The Easy Java Simulations adaptation of an An Introduction to Computer Simulation Methods by Harvey Gould, Jan Tobochnik, and Wolfgang Christian teaches physics modeling by example. We have chosen EJS for this edition of our book because its dynamic and highly interactive user interface greatly reduces the amount of programming required to implement an idea.

EJS Modeling

Student modeling, the guided exploration of physical systems and concepts, is a powerful approach to engaged learning. Easy Java Simulations provides the computational tools for students and faculty to explore physics without the need for learning details of java programming.

Learn more about EJS

Featured EJS Model

Simulated Annealing Method for the Traveling Salesman Model
The Simulated Annealing Method for the Traveling Salesman Model demonstrates the use of the "simulated annealing algorithm" to attempt to solve the "travelling salesman" problem. A text file containing longitude and latitude data for 120 cities in the US and southern Canada is loaded when this program begins.
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Programming

Open Source Physics provides extensive resources for computational physics and physics simulations. Included are:

• An Eclipse environment for OSP
• OSP Source Code Libraries
• OSP best practices
• Documentation

Access programming resources

Tools

OSP provides several general applications for physics teaching, student activities, and curriculum distribution. These are:

• Launcher – Simulation packages.
• Tracker – Video analysis.
• EJS – Easy Java Simulations.
• Data Tool – Data analysis.