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PhET Interactive Simulations was created by Carl Wieman as an open educational resource project at University of Colorado Boulder. The website provides more than 125 free interactive simulations for educational uses in subjects of physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, and mathematics. The purpose of the project is to improve the way science and math is taught by providing educators and students the tools to teach and learn these concepts in a more interactive and engaging way. PhET is for all grade levels, from elementary level to university level.
PhET Interactive Simulations was created by Carl Wieman as an open educational resource project at University of Colorado Boulder. The website provides more than 125 free interactive simulations for educational uses in subjects of physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, and mathematics. The purpose of the project is to improve the way science and math is taught by providing educators and students the tools to teach and learn these concepts in a more interactive and engaging way. PhET is for all grade levels, from elementary level to university level.
PhET Interactive Simulations is a great way to differentiate learning inside and outside of the classroom. These online simulations can supplement in-class lectures and textbook readings by providing a way for students to actually see and visualize science and math concepts that otherwise may seem abstract and invisible. The interactive simulations can provide inquiry-based learning by allowing students to explore and discover science and math concepts on their own while playing around and interacting with the simulations (Dewey). This can also be done in a collaborative learning setting in which students work in groups interacting with one another as they explore science and math concepts through the online simulations (Vygotsky). Watch the video to learn more.
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To use PhET Interactive Simulations effectively, teachers should provide some guidance and scaffolding for the students. The simulations can support lectures, readings, homework, and laboratory activities to enhance learning and understanding of science and math concepts. Even when the simulations are used as an exploratory game or activity, teachers should further engage student learning by asking relevant questions that the students should take into consideration as they explore and discover.
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What are the limitations of PhET as a teaching resource?
Although PhET does a good job of helping students to see abstract science and math concepts in a more real and practical way, it does not necessarily include real-world examples or problems that students can think through and relate science concepts to their own lives. Especially for young students, it is important that they are able to find these concepts relevant and meaningful in their day to day lives so that they find the motivation and enjoyment of learning. For example, a simulation can show the chemical reaction of cooking or baking bread. For students who find cooking enjoyable and important in their lives will find such simulation relevant and meaningful. Another simulation can show how the molecules that are being released into the air are contributing to climate change on a microscopic level. Students who are passionate about the topic of climate change may find the concept fascinating and important for their learning.
Although PhET does a good job of helping students to see abstract science and math concepts in a more real and practical way, it does not necessarily include real-world examples or problems that students can think through and relate science concepts to their own lives. Especially for young students, it is important that they are able to find these concepts relevant and meaningful in their day to day lives so that they find the motivation and enjoyment of learning. For example, a simulation can show the chemical reaction of cooking or baking bread. For students who find cooking enjoyable and important in their lives will find such simulation relevant and meaningful. Another simulation can show how the molecules that are being released into the air are contributing to climate change on a microscopic level. Students who are passionate about the topic of climate change may find the concept fascinating and important for their learning.
Watch the video to learn about how PhET simulations are designed and the research process of creating the simulations to effectively promote teaching and learning for educators and students. |
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