Description of the Simulation

In the Faraday's Law simulation made by PhET, learners can move a magnet freely within the playing space. As the magnet moves near a coiled wire, an induced current is created in the wire which creates voltage through the circuit which is then measured by a voltmeter, and illuminates a light bulb.

Learning Outcomes

Speed and Flux

The magnetic fields that radiates from the North and South poles of the magnet is what causes the induced charge. The magnetic field crosses the coiled wire which creates flux. The faster the magnetic field is moved over the coil, the more flux is created. Flux is measured with a volt meter as an induced charge. The light bulb is there to illustrate the effect of the induced charge.

Alternating poles and current (advanced learning)

A more advanced topic is related to the flux caused by alternating the poles. By alternating poles you can:

• create flux
• change the "direction" of voltage as indicated by the voltage meter (this is called alternating current)
• the light bulb will light regardless of the direction of the current

Design Challenges

These are the major design challenges identified so far:

• Controlling the speed of the magnet through the coil (relates to the speed and flux learning outcome)
• Positioning of the magnet
• Text descriptions

Process

• Examine the simulation and identify possible design challenges and issues
• Collaborate with domain expert to identify the critical design criteria and learning outcomes
• Refine ideas and plan for collaborative design process.