In this virtual workshop, 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.
All Virtual Workshops
If you have any questions, please email us at phet-workshops@colorado.edu
Goals
Format
Total Time
Get the most out of this workshop! We make the following recommendations:
Work through the course content at your own pace. However, we encourage you to do the workshop alongside a colleague to learn and share with each other.
Learning Goals
10 minutes
Before we engage with PhET and its teaching strategies, it is important to think about what you want your students to achieve when using simulations (sims).
What should students learn in a mathematics or science class?
What does it really mean to learn a concept?
Which skills and attitudes should be encouraged in a mathematics or science class?
Is the way you currently teach the most effective approach to help your students learn? Why?
PhET’s Goals for Student and Teachers
Introduction to PhET
20 minutes
If you’re not familiar with PhET, this lecture will provide a brief overview of the history and goals of the PhET project.
Is internet connectivity a challenge for you and your students? PhET has offline options that you can review in the “Offline Access” section of our website. There you will find the link to download our app installer for Desktop/Laptop computers, which allows you to use the simulations even when you do not have Internet access. You will also find the link to the Apple AppStore and Google PlayStore to download our new smartphone and tablet apps.
The PhET team works to make sims accessible for all students. Check the accessible features that are available on some of our sims, and learn more about our commitment to accessibility.
Active Learning with Sims
30 minutes
To get the most out of PhET simulations and enhance student learning, the simulations need to be used with active learning methodologies.
Active Learning with PhET
What strategies could you include in your class to move towards a more active class with sims?
How can you create an environment where students are motivated and engaged?
Integration Tips
10 minutes
Here are some tips to customize a simulation and integrate it within other information technologies that facilitate the use of PhET in lectures. Please review the following information:
PhET in OneNote Documents: PhET sims can now be DIRECTLY embedded in your OneNote document. Just copy the URL of the sim, paste it in any OneNote document, and that’s it! Instead of a URL, the simulations will be displayed and ready to use. Modify the size of the simulation and use the rest of the document to write or draw anything that you need to make your lecture more engaging.
Congratulations! You have completed the Intro to PhET Simulations workshop.
What are the main ideas or skills you learned from this workshop?
How will you take what you have learned and implement it in the near future?
Now It’s Your Turn!
10 minutes
If you are taking this course independently, we recommend that you complete the following activity and save it to your computer. (Should you later decide to enroll in a facilitated version of this course, you can then submit these assignments to earn a certificate).
Selecting PhET Sims Template
Now that you know how to navigate the PhET website to find sims and teacher resources, continue your learning journey with one of our other workshops:
Whole-Class Strategies: Learn strategies to use PhET with whole-class activities.
Science Activity Design: Create your own PhET inquiry-based activities for science classes.
Math Activity Design: Create your own PhET inquiry-based activities for mathematics classes.
Facilitating PhET Simulation Use: Prepare, implement, and reflect on your use of a PhET inquiry-based activity.