PhET Interactive Simulations

About PhET Interactive Simulations

PhET Interactive Simulations offers browser-based learning activities from the University of Colorado Boulder. Students can change inputs and observe how a model responds. In Build an Atom, for example, adding particles changes the element, charge or mass shown by the simulation. A teacher can ask learners to predict the result first, then use the activity to test and discuss the prediction. Choose a simulation that fits the idea you are teaching and run it on the devices students will use. PhET is helpful for making relationships visible that would be difficult to see in a static diagram. The simulations are intentionally simplified models. Combine them with questions, demonstrations or other evidence when students need to understand where the model matches a real experiment.