Simple Physics is an iPad app that presents users with fun and challenging engineering problems. The app has twelve challenges that progress in difficulty as you move through the app. The premise of each challenge is the same. The challenge is to create a structure like a bridge or staircase that can support a given amount of weight. You’re given a budget for materials for each structure and you have to stay under that budget. When your structure is complete, test it to find out if it will work.
I found myself hooked on Simple Physics and wanted to work through all of the challenges in one sitting, but I couldn’t do it. Students will probably find themselves in the same situation. One of the things that makes the app good for students is that if they try to use virtual building materials that are too big, too small, or too weak they will see that immediately as they build and test their structures.
Simple Physics currently costs $1.99