Incorporating computational exercises into introductory physics courses

Abstract

The paper describes the incorporation of computational exercises into introductory physics courses: mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics. While these courses traditionally emphasize symbolic and numerical calculations, as well as experimental methods, over the last decade, increasingly computational methods are incorporated into the curricula. The talk discusses opportunities for and examples of incorporating VPython projects, as well as logistics, learner collaboration, learning outcomes, and student feedback.