"PhET provides fun, interactive, research-based simulations of physical phenomena for free. We believe that our research-based approach- incorporating findings from prior research and our own testing- enables students to make connections between real-life phenomena and the underlying science, deepening their understanding and appreciation of the physical world."
"To help students visually comprehend concepts, PhET simulations animate what is invisible to the eye through the use of graphics and intuitive controls such as click-and-drag manipulation, sliders and radio buttons. In order to further encourage quantitative exploration, the simulations also offer measurement instruments including rulers, stop-watches, voltmeters and thermometers. As the user manipulates these interactive tools, responses are immediately animated thus effectively illustrating cause-and-effect relationships as well as multiple linked representations (motion of the objects, graphs, number readouts, etc.)"
(excerpts taken from PhET website)
Classroom Value
PhET simulations help students make connections between real-life phenomena and science. They do an excellent job of engaging students in learning and they were developed to support inquire-based instruction (Adams 2010). Computer simulations have been shown to be more effective than laboratory equipment in regards to conceptual learning (Finkestein 2005). Advantages of simulated labs over physical labs:
- "They can be used to replace physical equipment that is unavailable or impractical to set up.
- They can be used to do experiments that are impossible to do otherwise (e.g., sims can immediately show the result of adjusting the amount of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere).
- They allow teachers and students to change variables in response to student questions.
- They can show the invisible and explicitly connect multiple representations.
- They provide a common visualization that facilitates communication and instruction.
- They support out-of-class inquiry learning.
- They put students at ease and allow them to explore (i.e., students do not have to worry about breaking the sim or physically harming themselves)."
Classroom Value
PhET simulations help students make connections between real-life phenomena and science. They do an excellent job of engaging students in learning and they were developed to support inquire-based instruction (Adams 2010). Computer simulations have been shown to be more effective than laboratory equipment in regards to conceptual learning (Finkestein 2005). Advantages of simulated labs over physical labs:- "They can be used to replace physical equipment that is unavailable or impractical to set up.
- They can be used to do experiments that are impossible to do otherwise (e.g., sims can immediately show the result of adjusting the amount of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere).
- They allow teachers and students to change variables in response to student questions.
- They can show the invisible and explicitly connect multiple representations.
- They provide a common visualization that facilitates communication and instruction.
- They support out-of-class inquiry learning.
- They put students at ease and allow them to explore (i.e., students do not have to worry about breaking the sim or physically harming themselves)."
Uses in the Classroom
PhET simulations, along with the resources supplied online, can be implemented into the classroom in countless ways. Here are a few ideas:
- Introduction to a scientific phenomenon at the beginning of a lesson.
- Visual aid during a lecture
- Helpful resource for students to explore at home
- Basis for a simulated lab
- Engaging classroom and homework assignments
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