Extension Index
Next Gen PET includes extensions (homework) to support the in-class activities and lessons. Extensions are computer-based and include narrative text and questions of various types with feedback. Most extensions include videos of demonstrations, experiments, or simulations; some also incorporate on-line simulations. Most extensions provide practice using the ideas introduced in class, while some explore new, but related, ideas. Most students will need about 30 minutes to conscientiously work through extensions of average length, or around 15-45 minutes generally.
Extensions are available in HTML5 or Adobe Flash. Most students will probably find HTML5 more compatible with different types of platforms and browsers (and less problematic to run), but we provide Adobe Flash versions as well for those who may prefer them. Though the extensions may be accessed from the links below, you may include them directly on the course webpage.
Each link below lists all the extensions used in particular module, with links to both HTML5 and Flash versions. Note the browser and platform notes at the bottom of each page. The student portal for the extensions and demonstration movies (which is the link you should give to your students) is also listed below.
- Magnetism and Static Electricity Module
- Interactions and Energy Module
- Interactions and Forces Module
- Waves, Sound and Light Module
- Matter and Interactions Module
- Teaching and Learning Extensions
- Planning and Conducting Investigations Extensions
Extension quizzes and extension mock-ups : Questions within the extensions provide feedback to students but they are not graded. Several additional questions (mostly, but not exclusively, multiple choice) with feedback are provided for each extension; instructors can use these questions to build an online quiz in their learning management systems (LMS). Most LMSs can be set to automatically score, record, and give feedback.
These additional questions are provided along with mock-ups of the extensions in Microsoft PowerPoint documents available to registered users of this site. The PowerPoint mock-ups provide instructors with an opportunity to view the content of the extensions (including videos, which are embedded in the slides) without needing to work through the extensions themselves.
Note on Teaching and Learning (TL) extensions: : TL extensions include some extensions that are similar to the content extensions. A few are readings (available as PDFs). The remaining TL extensions involve both readings and some additional work outside of class, largely group work with other students. The TL extensions also come an assortment of quiz questions to be completed in the LMS like the content extension quizzes.
Note on "lettering" of extensions : Extensions are ordered in each unit using letters rather than numbers. Most extensions are used in both the lecture-style and studio-style versions of the Next Gen PET curriculum, so in each unit a single lettering system is used for both versions. Some extensions are particular to the version type (including most extensions in Module MI). That means, in many units in the Studio-Style Class version of NGP, you will find that some letters are missing in the list of extensions. This just means the “missing” extensions are particular to the Lecture-Style Class version, not that we have failed to list them.
