Development of educational physics computer games and visualisation tools

• Main Author: Foo, Xin Wei
• Other Authors: Ho Shen Yong
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2023
• Subjects: Science::Physics
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/166503
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Incorporating interactive games and 3D visualizations can enhance physics education with the advancements in technology. However, majority of the current physics computer games only covers specific fields of study or emphasizes on qualitative physical intuition instead of actual calculations. To fill this research gap, a comprehensive physics game was developed, featuring the trajectory of charged particles in gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields, and requiring students to perform calculations to arrive at the correct answer. The game was created using Unity software and C# programming language to ensure a realistic simulation of physics and motion. The pedagogical objective of the game was to facilitate students’ comprehension of charge trajectories in various physical fields. It offers different levels of difficulty, starting with 2D projectile motion and advancing to 3D projectile motion, electric and magnetic fields, and more complex particle motions that merge both fields. The purpose of the game was to serve as a post-class retrieval exercise which involves not only applying basic formulas, but also formula manipulation and the integration of other relevant concepts. The game was also designed to provide immediate feedback to the players, allowing them to learn from their mistakes promptly to master a physics concept more efficiently.