Introduction to PhET Simulations for STEM Education

Overview

PhET Interactive Simulations ( https://phet.colorado.edu/ ), a project of the University of Colorado Boulder, provides fun, free, interactive, research-based science and mathematics simulations for use across, primary, secondary, and higher education levels. We extensively test and evaluate each simulation to ensure educational effectiveness. All simulations are open source and free to all students and teachers. In this course, you will learn how to access and share PhET simulations with your students, and explore the features that make PhET sims a powerful tool for science and mathematics teachers. You will also learn about how to ensure equity in your teaching through the use of active learning. This course is the first one of the specialization “Active Learning in STEM with PhET Interactive Simulations”, which includes 4 courses in total. To finish this course, you need to complete one assignment with Peer Review: 1) Selecting PhET simulations. This course is also available in Spanish as “Introducción a las Simulaciones PhET para la Educación STEM” and in Portuguese as "Introdução às Simulações PhET para Educação STEM".

Syllabus

Module 1: An Intro to PhET Simulations

In this module, you will learn how to access and share PhET simulations with your students, and explore the features that make PhET simulations a powerful tool for science and mathematics teachers.

Module 2: Maximizing Access to PhET Simulations

In this brief module, we focus on cultivating a more accessible learning environment that fosters equitable learning and belonging for all students. Specifically, we reflect on the many ways to access PhET simulations.

Module 3: Maximizing Inclusion with PhET Simulations

In this module, we focus on cultivating a more inclusive learning environment that fosters equitable learning and belonging for all students. Specifically, we reflect on inclusive features that PhET simulations offer.

Module 4: Embedding PhET into Your Teaching with Activities

Now that you are familiar with PhET simulations, how to access them, and their inclusive features, this module focuses on how to integrate them into your curriculum through activities.

Module 5: Creating an Equitable Learning Environment and Culture with PhET

In this module, we focus on cultivating a teaching and learning environment that fosters equitable learning and belonging for all students. Specifically, we reflect on how our tendencies as teachers and learners influence the expectations we set and how to move toward Active Learning with PhET simulations.

Module 6: Active Learning with PhET

This final module in this course lays the foundation for equity by identifying characteristics of Active Learning, including pedagogical approaches that promote a growth mindset, student agency, and voice, helping students to take ownership of their learning of math or science.

Module 7: Conclusion and Next Steps

In this final module, we will ask you to reflect on your achievements and identify areas for improvement, provide feedback on this course, and share information on how to download your certificate once you have completed all requirements.