Introduction to PhET Simulations for STEM Education from Coursera

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".

What's inside

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.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Engages learners using interactive PhET simulations, fostering deeper understanding of STEM concepts

Develops skills in selecting and using PhET simulations, empowering educators to integrate them effectively into their teaching

Facilitates equity in access to and engagement with STEM content through the use of accessible and inclusive PhET simulations

Introduces active learning strategies with PhET simulations, supporting learner-centered approaches that promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Lays a foundation for equitable learning environments by highlighting the importance of inclusive practices, growth mindset, and student agency

Designed for both novice and experienced educators, providing accessible entry points and opportunities for professional development

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to PhET Simulations for STEM Education with these activities:

Review PhET Interactive Simulations website

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Improve your familiarity with the PhET Interactive Simulations website before the course begins by reviewing the simulations and resources available.

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Visit the official PhET Interactive Simulations website
Explore the different simulations available
Read through the resources provided on the website

Follow the PhET Interactive Simulations YouTube channel

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Supplement your course learning by following the PhET Interactive Simulations YouTube channel for additional tutorials and resources.

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Subscribe to the PhET Interactive Simulations YouTube channel
Watch the tutorial videos available on the channel
Explore the playlists created by the channel

Join a PhET Interactive Simulations study group

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Enhance your understanding by joining a PhET Interactive Simulations study group to collaborate with peers and discuss concepts.

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Find a study group that aligns with your course
Attend regular study sessions
Engage in discussions and ask questions

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Organize your notes and resources

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Stay organized by compiling your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams in one place for easy review.

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Gather all your course materials
Create a system for organizing your materials
Review your materials regularly

Create a PhET Interactive Simulations cheat sheet

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Solidify your understanding by creating a cheat sheet that summarizes key concepts, equations, and simulations from the course.

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Gather information from the course materials
Organize the information into a logical format
Create the cheat sheet using a tool of your choice

Complete the PhET Interactive Simulations practice problems

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Reinforce your understanding by completing practice problems that are similar to those you will encounter in the course.

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Access the practice problems from the course materials or online resources
Solve the problems independently
Check your answers and identify areas for improvement

Read 'Teaching with Interactive Simulations' by Michael J. Jacobson

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Expand your knowledge of using simulations in education by reviewing this authoritative text.

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Obtain a copy of the book
Read the chapters relevant to PhET Interactive Simulations
Reflect on the key concepts presented in the book

Develop a lesson plan that incorporates PhET Interactive Simulations

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Apply your knowledge by developing a lesson plan that effectively incorporates PhET Interactive Simulations to enhance student learning.

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Identify a specific topic to focus on
Research and select appropriate PhET Interactive Simulations
Create a lesson plan that outlines the learning objectives, activities, and assessment methods

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to PhET Simulations for STEM Education will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Education Researcher

Education Researchers must be familiar with and be able to stay current with the latest educational technologies. As such, this course's focus on PhET Simulations, specifically on improving equity in classrooms through the use of simulations, would be very helpful for anyone looking to enter the field. The principles and practices taught within this course may be used to conduct research that further advances the field of education.

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Science Teacher

Science Teachers are directly responsible for teaching students about science and math concepts. As such, taking this course can introduce them to PhET simulations, a tool to make their teaching more effective.

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Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers create and develop educational materials. With this course's focus on the pedagogical principles of PhET simulations, an Instructional Designer can create more effective learning experiences for students.

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Education Consultant

Education Consultants advise schools and other educational institutions on how to improve their educational practices. Knowledge of PhET simulations and its applications in the classroom, gleaned through this course, would be very beneficial for Education Consultants.

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Curriculum Developer

Curriculum Developers are responsible for creating and developing educational programs and materials for students. Through learning about PhET Simulations and their pedagogical principles, this course may help Curriculum Developers create engaging and effective learning content.

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Educational Technology Specialist

Educational Technology Specialists are responsible for integrating technology into the classroom. This course, with its focus on PhET simulations and their applications in the classroom, would be very helpful for Educational Technology Specialists.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate complex scientific information to a general audience. By learning about PhET Simulations and their applications, Science Writers may be able to make science more accessible and engaging for their readers.

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STEM Outreach Coordinator

STEM Outreach Coordinators promote STEM education and careers to students and the public. Given this course's focus on increasing equity and access to STEM education, the knowledge gained through this course may be useful to STEM Outreach Coordinators.

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Instructional Coach

Instructional Coaches work with teachers to improve their teaching practices. By learning about PhET Simulations and their evidence-based pedagogical principles, Instructional Coaches may be able to help teachers create more engaging and effective lessons.

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Science Museum Educator

Science Museum Educators develop and deliver educational programs and exhibits for the public. By learning about PhET Simulations and their applications, Science Museum Educators may be able to make their exhibits more interactive and engaging for visitors.

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Professor

Professors teach and conduct research in higher education. This course may be useful for Professors who are looking to incorporate more active learning and simulations into their teaching.

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High School Science Teacher

High School Science Teachers teach science to high school students. By learning about PhET Simulations and their applications in the classroom, High School Science Teachers may be able to make their lessons more engaging and effective.

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Middle School Science Teacher

Middle School Science Teachers teach science to middle school students. By learning about PhET Simulations and their applications in the classroom, Middle School Science Teachers may be able to make their lessons more engaging and effective.

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Elementary Science Teacher

Elementary Science Teachers teach science to elementary school students. This course's focus on PhET Simulations and its applications for all learning levels may be useful to Elementary Science Teachers.

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Science Administrator

Science Administrators oversee science education programs and initiatives. Through learning about PhET Simulations and their applications in the classroom, Science Administrators may be able to make more informed decisions about science education policy.

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