This is an interactive applet designed to help users visualize the circle and radius of curvature at a point. Users have the ability to view several different example graphs.
Type of Material:
Simulation
Recommended Uses:
This site would be well-suited for use in an in-class demonstration. It could also be incorporated into a homework assignment or group activity.
Technical Requirements:
Any browser.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
The purpose of this site is to help users to visualize the circle and radius of curvature at a point.
Target Student Population:
College Lower Division
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Differential Calculus.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The concept of curvature is a very important topic in Calculus that is usually associated with complicated formulas and calculations if considered for curves in 3D. That is why visualization is very helpful even for the case of flat curves. This site is highly visual and user friendly. Clear instructions are provided. Users have the ability to view a variety of example functions and can manipulate the value of the x-coordinate through the use of a slider.
Concerns:
This site could be improved by including a brief description and/or formulas for curvature and the radius of curvature or providing a link to some kind of theoretical material containing the definitions of these concepts.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
This is a great tool for helping users to visualize the circle and radius of curvature at a point. It could easily be used during an in-class lecture or incorporated into a group/individual activity.
Concerns:
It might be helpful to include a brief description and/or formulas for curvature and the radius of curvature. Adding a few exploratory questions would make this a great stand-alone activity for individual use.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The use of color creates a visually appealing and easy to interpret user experience. Values for the curvature and radius of curvature at each point are clearly displayed. The “readability” button allows users to adjust font and background colors as well as the margin width.
Concerns:
None.
Creative Commons:
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