Activity Design with 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, we will review strategies for how to use PhET to create simulation-based active learning activities for math or science classes, including activity sheets that students can use as they work independently or in small groups while they have direct access to simulations on their own devices.

To finish this course, you need to complete two assignments with Peer Review: 1) Select and evaluate an Activity Sheet and 2) Create your own Activity Sheet for science or math that integrate PhET simulations.

This course is the third of four courses that make up the specialization “Active Learning in STEM with PhET Interactive Simulations”.

This course is also available in Spanish as “Diseño de Actividades con Simulaciones PhET para la Educación STEM” and in Portuguese as "Desenho de Atividades com PhET para Educação STEM".

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction: Students Interacting With Simulations

In this module, we will review strategies for when to use simulation-anchored Activity Sheets for science and math classes that students can use as they work independently or in small groups while they have direct access to simulations on their own device.

Module 2: Revisiting PhET Activities

In this module, you will explore the difference between Activities and Activity Sheets. You will also select a pre-existing Activity Sheet contributed by other PhET users and analyze it to improve its alignment with the PhET Equity Framework.

Module 3: Challenge Prompts

This module will introduce you to the core of a high-quality student activity sheet–Challenge Prompts. Using examples from various subjects, you will revise teacher-directed instructions to produce open-ended challenges that better promote Active Learning.

Module 4: Activity Sheets and Lessons

In this module, you will learn how to build an Activity Sheet, considering various parts of a lesson.

Module 5: Assignment Submissions and Conclusions

In this module, you will submit an Activity Sheet of your own!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides strategies for implementing PhET simulations in science and math instruction

Leverages open-source, free, interactive, and research-based simulations

Developed by the University of Colorado Boulder with extensive testing and evaluation for educational effectiveness

Focuses on creating simulation-based active learning activities to enhance student engagement and understanding

Provides a structured approach through Activity Sheets to guide student exploration and inquiry

Suitable for educators in primary, secondary, and higher education levels

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 Activity Design with PhET Simulations for STEM Education with these activities:

Review key concepts in PhET simulations

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Strengthens foundational knowledge and prepares learners for course content.

Browse courses on PhET Simulations

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Identify key concepts covered in the PhET simulations.
Review these concepts using resources such as textbooks, online articles, or videos.
Complete practice problems or exercises related to the concepts.

Organize and review course materials

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Ensures learners have a clear understanding of course expectations and resources.

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Gather and organize all course materials, including syllabus, assignments, and readings.
Review the syllabus to understand the course objectives and requirements.
Identify any gaps in your knowledge or skills and plan how to address them.

Review using the PhET activity: Circuit Construction Kit: DC

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Builds familiarity with the PhET activity in preparation for using it in class.

Browse courses on Circuit Analysis

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Explore the PhET activity: Circuit Construction Kit: DC online.
Build different circuits in the simulation.
Measure current, voltage, and resistance in the circuits.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Create a simple circuit using PhET activity: Circuit Construction Kit: DC

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Provides a guided approach for learners to build a circuit using PhET.

Browse courses on Circuit Analysis

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Follow the step-by-step instructions in the PhET activity to build a simple circuit.
Use the simulation to measure current, voltage, and resistance in the circuit.
Modify the circuit to observe changes in current, voltage, and resistance.

Design an activity sheet integrating PhET simulation on Ohm's Law

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Allows learners to apply their understanding of Ohm's Law in a practical context.

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Create an activity sheet with open-ended questions and challenges based on PhET simulation on Ohm's Law.
Include clear instructions for students to follow while using the simulation.
Provide space for students to record their observations and analysis.
Incorporate real-world examples to make the activity more engaging.

Attend a workshop on best practices for using PhET simulations in science and math education

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Provides learners with practical strategies and techniques for effective use of PhET simulations.

Browse courses on PhET Simulations

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Attend a workshop led by experienced educators.
Learn about different PhET simulations and their applications in science and math education.
Participate in hands-on activities to practice using PhET simulations.
Collaborate with other educators to share ideas and best practices.

Mentor a fellow student in using PhET simulations

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Provides an opportunity for learners to deepen their understanding by helping others.

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Identify a student who needs support in using PhET simulations.
Provide one-on-one or small group support.
Share your knowledge and experience using PhET simulations.
Encourage the student to explore different simulations and activities.

Contribute to the PhET simulations community

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Empowers learners to contribute to the broader STEM education community.

Browse courses on PhET Simulations

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Join the PhET community forum or mailing list.
Identify areas where you can contribute, such as reporting bugs, suggesting improvements, or translating simulations.
Collaborate with other community members to work on projects.
Share your contributions and knowledge with the community.

Career center

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

Math Curriculum Developer

Math curriculum developers create and develop math curricula for use in schools and other educational settings. This course will help you develop the skills you need to create math curricula that are aligned with the latest research on how students learn math.

See salaries and explore the career path for Math Curriculum Developer

Science Educator

Science educators teach science to students in a variety of settings, including schools, museums, and science centers. This course will help you develop the skills you need to teach science effectively using PhET simulations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Educator

Science Curriculum Developer

Science curriculum developers create and develop science curricula for use in schools and other educational settings. This course will help you develop the skills you need to create science curricula that are aligned with the latest research on how students learn science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Curriculum Developer

Math Educator

Math educators teach math to students in a variety of settings, including schools, museums, and science centers. This course will help you develop the skills you need to teach math effectively using PhET simulations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Math Educator

Instructional Designer

Instructional designers create and develop educational materials, including interactive simulations, for use in different learning environments. This course will help you develop the skills you need to create effective and engaging learning experiences using PhET simulations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Instructional Coach

Instructional coaches provide support and guidance to teachers on a variety of topics, including the use of technology in the classroom. This course will help you develop the skills you need to coach teachers on how to use PhET simulations to improve student learning.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Coach

Teacher

Teachers plan and deliver instruction and facilitate learning experiences for students in a variety of academic subjects and grade levels. They use a variety of teaching methods, including simulations, to help students understand complex concepts. This course may be useful for teachers who want to learn how to use PhET simulations to create active learning activities for their students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

STEM Education Specialist

STEM education specialists provide support and guidance to schools and other educational organizations on the teaching of STEM subjects. This course will help you develop the skills you need to help schools use PhET simulations to improve student learning in STEM subjects.

See salaries and explore the career path for STEM Education Specialist

Educational Technology Specialist

Educational technology specialists provide support and guidance to schools and other educational organizations on the use of technology in the classroom. This course will help you develop the skills you need to help schools use PhET simulations to improve student learning.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Technology Specialist

Technology Integration Specialist

Technology integration specialists help schools and other educational organizations integrate technology into the curriculum. This course will help you develop the skills you need to help schools use PhET simulations to improve student learning.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technology Integration Specialist

Curriculum Specialist

Curriculum specialists develop and evaluate curricula for schools and other educational organizations. This course will help you develop the skills you need to develop and evaluate curricula that are aligned with the latest research on how students learn.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Specialist

Education Researcher

Education researchers conduct research on a variety of topics related to education, including the effectiveness of different teaching methods. This course will help you develop the skills you need to conduct research on the use of PhET simulations in the classroom.

See salaries and explore the career path for Education Researcher

Science Education Consultant

Science education consultants provide guidance and support to schools and other educational organizations on the teaching of science. This course will help you develop the skills you need to advise schools on how to use PhET simulations to improve student learning in science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Education Consultant

Educational Consultant

Educational consultants provide guidance and support to schools and other educational organizations on a variety of topics, including the use of technology in the classroom. This course will give you the knowledge and skills you need to advise schools on how to use PhET simulations to improve student learning.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Consultant

Education Policy Analyst

Education policy analysts analyze and evaluate education policies and programs. This course will help you develop the skills you need to analyze the impact of education policies on the use of technology in the classroom.

See salaries and explore the career path for Education Policy Analyst

Activity Design with PhET Simulations for STEM Education

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