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Science
Software By Science Teachers For Science Teachers
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Beating
The Yellow light uses tutorials, interactive and graphical exercises,
and simulations to investigate the design of intersections and the
role of the length of the yellow light. This seemingly simple problem
is affected by many variables, from the velocity of the car to the
reaction time of the driver. Its solution, it turns out, is anything
but simple. |
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Click
on the pictures to see a larger version in a pop up window.
You may have to disable any pop up blockers. |
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The
main menu leads students step by step through an analysis of an intersection
with a stop light and the effect of the timing of the yellow light
on the design of the intersection. The sections are:
- The
Problem
- The
Solution
- Two
Situations
- The
Simulation
- Reaction
Time
- Braking
Acceleration
- Calculations
- Quiz
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This
is the simulation screen where students can change the variables using
the slider bars and see the results of the kinematic equationsthat
were developed. They then can decide if the intersection would be
safe or un-safe. |
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In
the Reaction Time section, students can measure their reaction time
and get to see how factors such as distractions and age affect it.
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At
several points, students are asked to use the simulation to collect
data, make a graph, and use the graph to come up with conclusions
about how the variable affects the design of the intersection. Sample
data tables and graphs are included so that students can check their
answers. |
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After
students have completed all of the sections, including practicing
doing the calculations on their own using their calculators, they
are ready for the quiz. The 14 questions require the students to recall
important concepts, manipulate the simulation, and show that they
can do the calculations to solve the problem. |
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