Using Tracker as Augmented Reality Tool in Teaching Physics

Tracker is one of the applications that has been extensively used in the last years at all levels of teaching physics. The software has an optical tracking system based on Java and a flexible data tool analysis, specially designed for physics experimental activities. These capabilities recommend Tracker as a typical AR augmented reality tool. The main advantage of Tracker is the possibility to make, merely without costs, accurate measurements in experiments where the same data can be obtained only using expensive experimental setups, like data acquisition interfaces with appropriate sensors and dedicated software and drivers, usually recommended for AR applications. The paper presents an example of creative use of Tracker, in which the very simple experimental learning task of measuring the elastic constant of a spring may be performed costless with good results, adapting the classical experimental procedure to the requirements of Tracker software. Because the simplicity of the method, the use of Tracker allows more time for in-depth approach of the elastic deformation applications, like real spring and the phenomenon of oscillations.