Dan A Allwood et al 2009 Phys. Educ. 44 627 doi:10.1088/0031-9120/44/6/010
Dan A Allwood1, Julian Dean1, Matthew T Bryan1 and Alan Baker2
Show affiliationsFinite element modelling software has been used to allow secondary school students to study nanoscale magnetic materials for hard drive recording applications. The students were introduced to the basic concepts of finite element modelling using a freely available internet game before modelling the magnetization reversal of single magnetic grains. This approach allowed the students to see the underlying physics of magnetization switching emerge from their investigations and introduced them to the principles of scientific research. The students have also now been included as authors of a published scientific research article. The learning model used here could easily be adapted for university–school interactions in other areas of physics.
75.60.Jk Magnetization reversal mechanisms
01.50.H- Computers in education
01.50.My Demonstration experiments and apparatus
Condensed matter: electrical, magnetic and optical
Issue 6 (November 2009)
Received 11 August 2009
Dan A Allwood et al 2009 Phys. Educ. 44 627
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