Abstract:

The scientific experiment used in an educational purpose is an efficient method of teaching physics, as it requires certain qualities and aptitudes from the students. As an experimental science, Physics has a theoretical process and a practical activity based mainly on laboratory experiments. Thus, the experiment in Physics is not only a method of scientific investigation, but also a learning method, made up of observing various phenomena, analysing effects and verifying several hypotheses. The laboratory experiment represents a form of independent activity of the students and also a way of developing their interest for the science of Physics, no matter if the experiment is used as a way of acquiring new information or of practically applying it. The experiment can take place in a Physics laboratory or it can be only a simulation, for which a software application is needed. Obviously, the latter offers the students the possibility of repeating the experiment several times at their own convenience. In addition, teachers can use both the real experiment and the simulated one for particular demonstrations, which sustain the theoretical part of the lesson. The aim of this paper is to present a real experiment and a simulated one in order to improve physics learning. Analyzing the obtained results, we can reach a conclusion concerning not only the advantages, but also the limits of using the two types of experiments in the teaching process.

Keywords:

Real experiment, simulated experiment, Physics software application, educational physics.