LEGO-Based Physics Lab : The Potential of LEGO Bricks for Modeling in Physics
Journal article
Donaire Gonzalez, David. (2024). LEGO-Based Physics Lab : The Potential of LEGO Bricks for Modeling in Physics. The Physics Teacher. 62(6), pp. 435-439. https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0146220
Authors | Donaire Gonzalez, David |
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Abstract | In this article, I show the potential of LEGO bricks for modeling in physics, particularly focusing on phenomena typically covered in introductory laboratory courses. I illustrate how LEGO bricks can be used to represent parabolic trajectories, free-body diagrams (FBDs), and oscillation graphs. Additionally, I demonstrate how LEGO bricks can be used to design and assemble various experimental setups, with a special emphasis on modeling the modified Atwood machine and two spring-coupled masses. Furthermore, I demonstrate how to use LEGO bricks to map the electric potential of two-point charges for modeling equipotential curves in conjunction with their 3D representation. These demonstrative examples can be applied to several topics covered in university-level physics laboratory courses, such as kinematics, mechanics, and electromagnetism. By doing so, LEGO bricks can effectively support inquiry-based learning and multiple representations, thus reinforcing students’ comprehension of physics concepts while fostering their modeling abilities, creativity, and motivation in the subject. |
Keywords | LEGO; Teaching; physics; modeling |
Year | 01 Jan 2024 |
Journal | The Physics Teacher |
Journal citation | 62 (6), pp. 435-439 |
Publisher | American Institute of Physics |
ISSN | 0031-921X |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0146220 |
Web address (URL) | https://pubs.aip.org/aapt/pte/article-abstract/62/6/435/3309886/LEGO-Based-Physics-Lab-The-Potential-of-LEGO?redirectedFrom=fulltext |
Open access | Published as non-open access |
Research or scholarly | Research |
Page range | 435-439 |
Publisher's version | License All rights reserved File Access Level Controlled |
Output status | Published |
Publication dates | |
Online | 01 Sep 2024 |
Publication process dates | |
Accepted | Aug 2024 |
Deposited | 17 Feb 2025 |
Additional information | © Copyright 2024 AIP Publishing LLC |
Place of publication | United States |
https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/91592/lego-based-physics-lab-the-potential-of-lego-bricks-for-modeling-in-physics
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