Compilation: RollBall (Ramp & Roll) software, Moving Man applet
Compilation: RollBall (Ramp & Roll) software, Moving Man applet (like Graphs &Tracks)
[updated in October 2010, to eliminate webrot. Jane J]
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2006
From: stan hutto
Jeff Steinert and I are conducting a workshop at Florida International University, and we were
discussing with the participants extension activities that can be used with Unit III - Uniform Acceleration. One such tool was "Graph and Tracks" from Physics Academic Software and then there was the web-based version that was called "RollBall" or "Ramp'n'Roll" that USED to be located at SeedofKnowledge.com.
The applet appears to have been removed from this site, but we both think that someone had found it at a new location. Any help in locating the program will be greatly appreciated.
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Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2006
From: Rob Spencer
I might mention another useful applet that allows user control and experimentation to go along with x, v, and a vs t graphs in 1D. Select the Moving Man applet after choosing the simulation button from:
You might have to install a new version of Java to run these programs but it's worth it...a phenomenal simulation resource!
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Date: Fri, 30 Jun 2006
From: Rodger Baldwin
Since I don't have Graphs and Tracks, I have to rely on memory for the eight or so problems we worked through during the workshop at Dominican University last summer...has anyone adapted them for use with RollBall? Would you be willing to share?
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Date: Sat, 1 Jul 2006
From: Dale Basler
I hunted down the programmer (Mihara Naoki) who created the applet. Mihara has put Ramp'n Roll online for us.
[Ed note: Naoki Mihara gave permission for Dale to post it at http:// ]
You can find the worksheet that I use with Ramp'n Roll at:
GRAPHS AND TRACKS.
For extension activities in Unit III, Uniform Acceleration, one tool is "Graph and Tracks" from Physics Academic Software. It works only on old, slow computers, unless you use this free downloadable software to slow it down, posted on Sept. 29, 2006 by John Clement of Houston TX:
-- DOSBox available at
"Essentially it emulates an old processor inside a DOS window. The only drawback is that it requires a bit of work to get it going, and then the window may not fill the screen. This is easily fixed by lowering the screen resolution. There are also some front-end programs that may make it possible for a student to just click on an icon and bring up Graphs n' Tracks at the correct speed."
-- DOSShell available at
"This does an adequate job of hiding the Geeky DOSBox interface. You can then have a single icon for the Dosshell and it will bring up a window with all of the old tired, but useful DOS programs appearing as clickable icons."
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