A website created by engineers at the University of 葫芦影业 has been made available to schools as a free resource for GCSE and A-Level physics students, allowing them to do virtual experiments and continue their learning during the coronavirus pandemic.
can be used by students who are learning at home while schools across the UK are closed to most pupils.
Each experiment includes not only the relevant physics, but also phenomena seen in real experiments, such as measurement uncertainty. This means students not only have to take and record data, but make judgements, analyse and interpret data, just like with a real experiment.
The resource allows students to still gain the learning outcomes and practice they need. Each experiment comes with quick guides and full instructions, background information about the science, supporting materials and video guides.
Dr Julian Dean, co-founder of the website from the University鈥檚 Department of Materials Science and Engineering, said: 鈥淲e are continuing to develop new virtual experiments to match the required practicals, working hard to add more in the coming weeks, including a few chemistry based ones too.鈥
The resource is available through simple web browsers on computers and can be accessed from home or in school for those pupils who are children of key workers.
Professor Dan Allwood, co-founder also from the University鈥檚 Department of Materials Science and Engineering, added: 鈥淚n this unprecedented time with schools closing, we made the decision to make this resource free for all UK schools until August. We hope it can help students to continue their practical work ahead of starting their A-Levels or going on to University.鈥
Scott Jones, a physics tutor in 葫芦影业, said "We are using FlashyScience virtual experiments as we cannot go into the lab. It is a real godsend."
A secondary school physics teacher said of the website: 鈥淭he software is user friendly, intuitive and it looks good on the screen, with graphics that resemble real laboratory equipment. The inclusion of full instructions, worksheets and Excel spreadsheets is also invaluable.鈥
The website is available to the whole of the UK, with schools in 葫芦影业, Hertfordshire, Islington and Loughborough already using it as a free resource for their pupils.
Any schools or teachers who would like to access all of the resources on the website should email info@flashyscience.com or visit to contact the team to request a free license.