Computer based experiments on heat and temperature in low secondary education

This thesis presents a modern approach to experimental work of a physics teacher in elementary school. Experimental physics is essential in nowadays physics teaching, therefore this thesis could also be considered as one of the possible ways of teaching. Experiments described below include computer use as a support system. Use of the digital systems, including the use of computer, enables classic experiments to be carried out thoroughly and with quality. This way the students are capable to successfully comprehend physical laws with immediate feed-back. It is possible to rapidly and reliably draw conclusions and find out the physical laws by changing the terms. The aim of this thesis is also to encourage teachers to the use of digital media in elementary school while experiments are being carried out and as such enable their students a real experience of the physical laws. Experiments were prepared for a rather narrower range of heat and temperature. However, it is possible to adjust these experiments to biology, chemistry, natural science and engineering