Implementation and evaluation of an effective computational method that promotes the conceptualization of Newton's laws of motion

Abstract

A computational method that contributes to the understanding and conceptualization of Newton's laws of motion, through the use of a novel environment of virtual experimentation of physical systems, was implemented in the students of the Faculty of Engineering and Basic Sciences of the Universidad del Magdalena. This article investigates the level of learning achieved by implementing the physical experiences in the mechanical laboratory and the virtual laboratories developed in the Unity platform, which can be used by the user to work in web environment and mobile devices, when downloaded as an application in Google Play and App Store. Conceptual tests were administered to assess students comprehension before, during and after instruction. The results revealed that the experimental and virtual conditions were equally effective in promoting student's understanding of the concepts in the domain of Newton's laws of motion; therefore, virtual manipulation, at least in a context such as that of the present study, reveals an important method in the learning of physics.