The four simulations at the “Interactive Science Activities on the Web” (ISAW) site* introduce upper-level high school and beginning college students to concepts that span the disciplines of physics, astronomy, mathematics, and computer science. Topics covered include Kepler’s three laws of planetary motion (orbits), iterative function system fractals, searching for extra-solar planets, and exploring the computer science “Game of Life” in finite universes. While these have been tested at Bridgewater College, some are used regularly by other schools, colleges and universities and listed at the Merlot and other web indexes. Participants in this hands-on workshop will explore these simulations with an emphasis on how they may be used in courses and how one can use JavaScript and HTML forms to construct web-based simulations.** This last section will focus on special techniques such as how to plot using a matrix of one-pixel images and how to use cookies to transfer information from an existing web page to a new web page.
*
http://www.bridgewater.edu/~rbowman/ISAW/
** http://www.bridgewater.edu/~rbowman/acadcomp/js/
Citation: Richard L. Bowman, "Introducing ISAW as an Example of Web-based Science Simulations Constructed Using JavaScript and HTML Forms," MERLOT Seventh International Conference, New Orleans, LA, USA, 7-10 August 2007.