Introducing Waves Using Simulations Controlled From Html Files

Teaching Physics has a specific difficulty because of the use of mathematics as the language to describe Physics phenomena. Graphic features, animation and computing capabilities of computers allow simulating phenomena, then computers may hide the mathematical symbols, terms, expressions so that, first, concepts are the main concern, and mathematical formalism can be introduced later. In this work a didactic unit introducing waves is presented. The core of each chapter are simulations that are used by students to perform guided experiments. These simulations are Java applets controlled from html files that guide the students in their process of discovery learning.