NOTICE

 

Minds on Physics in the Browser

Beginning in Fall 2021


We no longer offer Minds on Physics the App in the stores. Beginning in the Fall of 2021, our Minds on Physics program will be available in the browser. No more apps. No more app stores. No Shockwave. Just pure, functional HTML5 connected to our Task Tracker system to keep track of student progress.

Learn More About Minds On Physics in the Browser

What is Minds On Physics?

Minds On Physics is difficult to describe because Minds On Physics is like nothing else. At first glance, it appears to be an exercise in answering questions. But it is indeed much more than that. Learners will certainly answer questions and they will definitely get an exercise. The exercise is an exercise in ...
  • reading carefully
  • thinking deeply
  • pondering the meaning of a concept
  • probing the relationship between ideas
  • making sense of physics language
  • reflecting on one's own understanding
Learners will get a mental workout as they think about how they conceive of a topic. Common misconceptions are often targeted. Superficial thinking is quickly challenged. And a deeper understanding of a concept is most often the end result of this exercise in Minds On Physics.
 

How Does It Work?

Minds On Physics (MOPs for short) was designed to be a learning and assessment tool. Each topic is broken down into a collection of missions. The missions focus on one to three specific objectives or learning outcomes. When working on a mission, a collection of questions are presented to learners one question at a time and in a random order. Answers are immediately evaluated and feedback is given. Learners continue to answer questions in an effort to progress through the mission.
 
Behind the scenes, the program is constantly analyzing answers and looking for patterns of missing. When a pattern is observed, learners are alerted of the pattern and provided links to help that is specific to the questions being missed. When a learner completes a mission, a Medal is rewarded and a Success Code is displayed. The Success Code allows a learner to earn credit for the mission if MOP is assigned by a teacher.

 

How Are Questions Organized?

Each mission in Minds On Physics consists of a collection of up to 40 questions. Many questions are very similar, perhaps differing only in the order of the choices. Similar questions are organized into Question Groups. You must answer one question from each Question Group in order to complete the mission. If you miss one question within a group, another question from that same group will eventually be presented to you. In some instances, you will have to answer more than one question from a particular group.

Why Not Try It Yourself?

The best way to get the sense of what Minds On Physics is about is to try it yourself. Whether a teacher who is contemplating incorporating it into their classroom or a student wishing to improve their physics understanding, giving it a try is the best way to find out why there are so many MOP-aholics roaming our society. At $1 per app, it is not going to break the bank to purchase and install one on your favorite device. Or if you would rather use the free Shockwave-based, browser version; you will find it here on our website: visit the Minds On Physics Internet Modules. Once you've get your mind on a few assignments (or missions), you will have a feel for the type of mental workout that we are referring to.