Use of a computer simulator to teach the oblique launch in the light of the Theory of Meaningful Learning

Abstract

In this article, we report a successful teaching experience in which we use a computer simulator from the Phet platform to demonstrate the oblique launch in a 2nd year class of High School, in the Physics curriculum component, in a private school in the city of Novo Hamburgo, RS. We use the simulator as the initial activity of launching this nuclear content from the following problem situation: for which angle the range in an oblique launch is maximum and for which pairs of angles, for the same initial launch speed, the range is the same? The students, in pairs, varied the following initial parameters: initial speed, launch angle and objects to be launched, with different masses. From the variation of these factors, the students were able to analyze the movement trajectory, the velocity and acceleration vectors, as well as the vector components, in addition to observing the factors that affect both the maximum height and the maximum horizontal reach. At the end of the activity, we applied a questionnaire referring to the topic covered, resulting in a utilization close to 90% of correct answers.