Implementation of PhET Activities 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 effectively design and implement a Teacher Guide that makes use of PhET’s simulations for mathematics and science.

To finish this course, you need to complete two assignments with Peer Review: 1) Design a Teacher Guide that integrates an inquiry-based activity with simulations, and 2) Implement your lesson in your class, and reflect on the results.

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

This course is also available in Spanish as “Implementación de Actividades PhET para la Educación STEM” and in Portuguese as "Implementação de Atividades PhET para Educação STEM".

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Planning to Implement a Teacher Guide

In this module, you will learn how to effectively design a Teacher Guide that makes use of PhET’s mathematics and science simulations, and then reflect upon the implementation of a PhET simulation-based lesson.

Module 2: Preparing to Implement a Simulation-Based Teacher Guide

In this module, you will take the Teacher Guide you have already prepared, and consider a number of facilitation strategies. You will then again review your guide and make improvements before submitting it for peer review.

Module 3: Implementation of a Simulation-based Teacher Guide

In this module, you will take the Teacher Guide you have created and implement it in your own classroom. If you aren’t currently teaching, be creative! We invite you to trying it out with an age-appropriate learner or a teaching colleague. However you decide to try your materials, ensure that you capture some evidence of implementation (e.g., completed learner activity sheet, anonymized multimedia showing learners using the simulation, etc.) for inclusion in your assignment submission.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches methods of using PhET Simulations for mathematics and science education

Segments the learning into modules: planning implementation, preparation for implementation, and implementation

Instructional emphasis is on hands-on experience with simulations and activities

Rebecca Vieyra and Zachariah Mbasu are the instructors of the course

Partnered with the University of Colorado Boulder

Material is intended for educators and teachers

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 Implementation of PhET Activities for STEM Education with these activities:

Practice Algebraic Manipulations

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Sharpening your algebraic skills will improve your ability to solve complex equations encountered in this course.

Browse courses on Algebra

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Review basic algebraic rules and operations.
Solve a variety of algebraic equations.

Review Fundamentals of Kinematics

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Reviewing the basics of kinematics will enhance your understanding of advanced concepts covered in this course.

Browse courses on Kinematics

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Review notes and textbooks on kinematics.
Solve practice problems on motion and forces.

Explore PhET Simulations on Kinematics

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Engaging with PhET simulations will provide you with interactive experiences to deepen your understanding of kinematics.

Browse courses on Kinematics

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Visit the PhET website and explore simulations related to kinematics.
Follow guided tutorials to learn how to use the simulations effectively.
Experiment with the simulations to observe and analyze motion and forces.

Four other activities

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Collaborate on Problem-Solving

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Working with peers will allow you to exchange ideas, clarify concepts, and reinforce your understanding of kinematics.

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Form study groups with classmates.
Discuss challenging concepts and work through problems together.
Provide feedback and support to each other.

Develop Concept Maps

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Creating concept maps will help you organize and visualize the relationships between key concepts in kinematics, enhancing your comprehension and retention.

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Identify the main concepts and subtopics in kinematics.
Draw a diagram connecting the concepts with arrows or lines.
Label the connections with brief explanations.

Read 'Conceptual Physics' by Hewitt

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Reading 'Conceptual Physics' will provide a comprehensive review of kinematics concepts, reinforcing your understanding.

View Conceptual Integrated Science on Amazon

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Read the chapters relevant to kinematics.
Take notes and summarize the key concepts.
Complete the practice problems at the end of each chapter.

Attend a Kinematics Workshop

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Attending a specialized kinematics workshop will provide an immersive learning experience to deepen your understanding and engage with experts.

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Research and identify relevant kinematics workshops.
Register and attend the workshop.
Actively participate in discussions and hands-on activities.

Career center

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

STEAM Teacher

A STEAM Teacher provides instruction in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics to students in a school or other educational setting. They develop and implement lesson plans, assess student progress, and provide guidance and support to students. This course would be very useful for a STEAM Teacher, as it provides resources and guidance for developing and implementing effective STEM lessons that incorporate simulations and inquiry-based activities.

See salaries and explore the career path for STEAM Teacher

Science Teacher

A Science Teacher provides instruction in science to students in a school or other educational setting. They develop and implement lesson plans, assess student progress, and provide guidance and support to students. This course would be very useful for a Science Teacher, as it provides resources and guidance for developing and implementing effective science lessons that incorporate simulations and inquiry-based activities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Teacher

STEM Education Specialist

A STEM Education Specialist provides support and resources to teachers and students in STEM fields. They may work in a school district, university, or other setting.

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Instructional Designer

An Instructional Designer develops and implements educational programs and materials. They work with teachers and other educators to ensure that instruction is effective and meets the needs of learners.

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Instructional Coordinator

An Instructional Coordinator develops and implements educational programs and materials. They work with teachers and other educators to ensure that instruction is effective and meets the needs of learners. This course would be useful for those looking to become an Instructional Coordinator as it provides resources for the development and implementation of effective educational materials, instructional design, and assessment.

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Curriculum Developer

A Curriculum Developer creates and develops curriculum materials for use in schools and other educational settings.

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Educational Technology Specialist

An Educational Technology Specialist integrates technology into the classroom to enhance teaching and learning.

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Science Curriculum Specialist

A Science Curriculum Specialist develops and implements science curriculum for a school district or other educational organization.

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Education Researcher

An Education Researcher conducts research on a variety of educational topics. They may work in a university, research institute, or other setting.

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Educational Consultant

An Educational Consultant provides advice and support to educational institutions and organizations on a variety of educational issues. They may work with schools, colleges, universities, or other organizations.

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Education Policy Analyst

An Education Policy Analyst researches and analyzes education policies and programs. They make recommendations to policymakers and other stakeholders on how to improve education policy and practice.

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Education Manager

An Education Manager oversees the activities of an organization that provides education to the public. They plan, develop, and implement educational programs to help learners achieve their learning goals and objectives. This course may be useful for those looking to become an Education Manager as it provides resources and guidance on developing effective educational materials, which can be useful for creating educational programs and initiatives.

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Nonprofit Program Manager

A Nonprofit Program Manager plans and implements programs for a nonprofit organization. They may work in a variety of areas, such as education, social services, or the arts.

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K-12 Education Administrator

A K-12 Education Administrator, also known as a school principal, oversees the day-to-day operations of a K-12 school.

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Higher Education Administrator

A Higher Education Administrator oversees the day-to-day operations of a college or university.

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