PhET Simulations

A great technology to bring into your classroom is PhET simulations.  These simulations allow students to be able to see things in science that they wouldn't normally be able to see like molecules and atoms.  These modules allow you to perform experiments and tests that you wouldn't normally be able to do in a classroom because of restrictions in resources or time.  By using the simulations that PhET has to offer it allows students to develop their own understandings of the content through practical application and trial and error.

You can start using PhET simulations by going to your web browser and typing in PhET Simulations and it'll be the first website that pops up.  Once you get to their website you can click on the simulations tab on the top of the page to figure out what type of simulations you might be interested in.  They have separated the simulations into the different subjects they cover like physics, biology, chemistry, earth science, and math.  They also give the option of clicking on what grade levels you might be teaching which is extremely helpful for picking simulations that may be appropriate for your students.  Once you find a simulation that looks interesting you just have to click on it and then you can either hit play on it or download it in order to use the simulation.  Each simulation is a little different from what is required to use it.  It is recommended you have the latest version of Google Chrome and Java on your computer to have the best experience using the simulations.  Below is a video to help you understand how easy it is to use PhET simulations and how you can use them in your classroom.   

Using PhET simulations can be extremely effective to use with students because it can allow them to see things that they wouldn't be able to normally see like molecules interacting with each other or the currents that travel through wires to make a bulb light up.  Not only does PhET provide simulations to help your students grasp difficult content but they also have activities that go along with the simulations to help guide student's thinking.  This makes sure that your students have guidance on what they should be doing on the simulation and what variables they should be changing.  This helps prevent students from getting off task and increases engagement.  Students can also work together collaboratively on these simulations in order to bounce ideas off of one another so that they can construct their own knowledge of what is happening.    

Students are able to test their thoughts using the PhET simulations in order to get quick results.  It really helps provide real-life examples for students to work with which can be challenging in a classroom.  You are able to do free experiments in your classroom through these simulations that you wouldn't otherwise be able to do.  On top of this, the simulations make learning about the content fun for students because they get to control the simulation and really take ownership of their learning.  This is really exciting because it can be tough to make lessons engaging and exciting if you are always just teaching out of a textbook.  Students need innovative and news ways to learn information so there's no reason not to give PhET simulations a try.

References

PhET Simulations Logo [Online Image] Retrieved from https://www.phett.colorado.edu/en/

simulations/category/physics

PhET Simulations Video [Online Video] Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9rdIl3rPgI&t=130s

PhET Interactive Simulations. (2019). Teaching Resources. Retrieved from https://phett.colorado.edu/ en/teaching-resources