SOFTWARE REVIEW
Flexible physics
Book review
Making It Better For Boys
Ali McClure
Network Continuum: www.continuumbooks.com
ISBN: 978-185539435-3
£16.99
Crocodile Physics
You can create your own simulation by clicking
on “parts library”, selecting the area of interest and Making It Better
Key stage 3 and 4, and A level
dragging items onto the page. You can then create your For Boys looks to
CROCODILE PHYSICS is described by its creators own model to explore what happens when, say, current offer a thorough
as flexible, easy-to-use modelling software for schools in a circuit exceeds the fuse value and “poof!” – we get understanding of
and colleges. This is largely true as it is intuitive to use a visual representation of the fuse blowing when the what makes boys
and allows users to manipulate pre-determined models switch closes to complete the circuit. tick, and is aimed at
or sketch out their own, change some features and Performing the “mouse over” provides a concise headteachers, senior
explore what happens. The program has been created explanation as to what has happened, and operating the managers within
with whiteboard presentations in mind, and tutorial kits “spanner” performs a restore function. The product also schools, and local
form the basis of the software. has audio, but it is not obtrusive. education authorities
Different sections of the software cover different Insightful teachers will group students to work The book
aspects of key stage 3 and 4 physics with application at together so that collaborative learning takes place. aims to help in
double award, separate science and even some A level Students can achieve success by simply modelling a understanding why
physics. It also has applications in technology. cell, a switch, and a lamp and watching the lamp light boys may behave
In physics the main areas of application are: and beyond for sound waves, light waves, ripple up when the switch is closed. At the other end of the as they do and why
• Circuits: Key stage 3 (unit 7J, electrical circuits), tank simulation, and radioactivity. ability spectrum, students can produce much more more boys have
and key stage 4 double award/individual science • Electrical energy: It has a limited application in complicated circuits. Teachers need to use this as a special needs.
physics and beyond. Various applications including key stage 3 (units 9I energy and electricity, 9J tool and direct different ability students to different Author Ali
logic circuits. gravity and space, and 9K speeding up) as the applications. McClure, a former
• Optics: Key stage 3 (unit 8K, light) although it starting point is at a too high a level. It is appropriate Crocodile Physics comes as one CD with a product deputy head and
is appropriate for colour only, although key stage 4 for key stage 4 double award/individual science licence code or it can be downloaded from the mother to three
double award/individual science physics has various physics and beyond. The focus is on the cost of publisher on a trial basis or as an upgrade. It forms boys, offers insights and advice on
applications. It is strong on reflection, refraction and energy and transformation of energy. part of a suite of Crocodile products (chemistry, ICT, the transformations experienced by young men in
lenses. Waves forms a separate section (see below). Some of the most interesting simulations are in topic technology and so on). the 21st century.
• Motion and forces: At key stage 4 double award/ folders identified as “other examples”. Crocodile Physics performs a very useful function These include chapters on stereotypes, fostering
individual science physics and beyond, with a strong The software has a reasonable “getting started” in the laboratory to create and test any number of respect, and communication.
emphasis on momentum and elastic/inelastic section that includes tutorials for each part, and the simulations across a range of physics topics from key Ms McClure also takes a scientific approach,
collisions. contents window shows the different areas of study stage 3. This does not mean that the use of tools such as looking at how testosterone impacts on a boy’s
• Waves: At double award/individual science physics with their sub-sections. Performing a “mouse over” this should replace hands-on experiments of course, but behaviour.
provides more information about the component or it allows a learner who has grasped the basics as a result The book covers boys from birth through to 18-
context, and a set of instructions along the bottom of the of practical work to test ideas and share knowledge. years-old, although some chapters break this down
page guides you through what you have to do. You can This is a very useful tool. into three age brackets to allow for more focus.
toggle between full screen and a reduced screen, which For a five-user licence, Crocodile Physics costs £190 Each chapter offers regular “points for action”
removes superfluous content and allows you to focus and site licences cost from £550 to £1,030 depending throughout, offering the reader simple practical
on the current task. on the number of students on roll. For details, visit steps to take. These include spending time getting
A particular strength of this software is that it www.crocodile-clips.com to know boys, ensuring teenage boys have access
has visual impact. When building a model, different to good male role models, and helping individual
components can be “dragged and dropped” to location • TEEM is the UK’s longest established evaluator of boys to find a subject that they feel passionate
and, in the case of an electrical circuit for example, the educational multimedia. To find information you can about.
wiring can be added to complete the circuit. trust on the latest digital products, Making It Better For Boys is available now.
Any errors can be “snapped out” by highlighting them go to www.teem.org.uk. If there is a
individually with the mouse button and then clicking on product that you think TEEM should Chris Parr
the image of the crocodile to delete that part. evaluate, email nick@teem.org.uk
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22651 SecEd Yellow 188x277 AW.indd 1 14/8/08 12:02:30
14 SecEd • September 11 2008
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