Packing Slip 
item |
Ideal Gas Law Multiuser Game |
contact |
Alan Levine (District Office) alan.levine@domail.maricopa.edu |
credits |
Paul Smolenyak, Yavapai College Mike Kelly, Northern Arizona University |
college(s) |
District Office |
discipline(s) |
chemistry |
summary |
An internet based multiuser game where groups of students share an environment where they manipulate 3 variables of the ideal gas law to achieve a given pressure. |
details |
This was an experimental project started while on my 2000 sabbatical, working with colleagues at Northern Arizona University. Using Macromedia Shockwave MultiUser Server technology, we created web-based application for students to learn how 4 variables interact according to the ideal gas law, a basic concept taught in introductory chemistry PV=nRT In this environment, students log into a given "group" where they all share a simulated apparatus that allows them to change the volume (V), number of moles of gas (n), and temperature (T) to reach the target pressure assigned to that group. In a multiuser environment, the actions of one user (e.g. to change the volume) is seen on all of the other userss computers. In addition, a chat feature allows them to see a summary of all changes and to communicate with each other. We also created a tool for the instructors where they can create or modify any number of different student groups. The technology allos the groups to interact with only the members of that group, so simlutaneous groups can be playing at the same time. The instructor's tool also allows him/her to monitor the current status of any group, and to display the results of all groups at a time. There was also an prototype of a "competitive" version, in which 2 groups would share the same environment, each with a different target pressure they needed to reach. Each group could operate only one end of the chamber to adjust volume. This version does work, but it less refined than the main version. The requirements of the users are only a web browser, internet connection, and the Macromedia Shockwave plug in. To run the game, the MultiUser Server can run on any Macintosh or PC computer, and can support 50 users for free, and 1000 users for anyone with a licensed version of Macromedia Director. Our server is running on a PowerMac 8500 sitting in my office. This is a proof of concept project, but if anyone is very interested in using or developing, please contact me. I've not peeked at the code for more than a year, and there may still be a few bugs running around in it. Note! As a professional courtesy to the owner of this package, if you use some aspect of this package or have some thoughts about it, please share your feedback via the comments form below. |
web links |
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/proj/mu/igas/ http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/proj/mu/ http://realgar.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/mu/ http://dommy.com/az2nzau/news/0713.html http://realgar.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/mu/skunks/igasc1/ |
supplements |
Screen Shot of Game (image) Screen Shot of Instructors tool, controls creating, modifying groups (image) Screen Shot 2 of Instructor tool, display of multiple groups (image) Screen shot of Competitive Team version (image) Note! As a professional courtesy to the owner of this package, if you use some aspect of this package or have some thoughts about it, please share your feedback below. |
shareback |
A "Shareback" cites the places on the web that mention, reference, or use this MLX package, and "shares" that information back here (more about shareback...) Most recent shareback for this package:Object Summary Page Updated Sharebacks can be generated automatically by weblog tools. |
extra |
Last modified: Jul-10-2002 Date created: Jul-10-2002 Visitor count: 4561 Dublin Core Metadata record  |
Maricopa Learning eXchange
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/mlx/slip.php?item=372
