PhET Simulations for Math
Author: Arlene Vinion Dubiel
Chances are your science colleagues have heard of PhET simulations – and love them. Founded in 2002 by Carl Weiman at the University of Colorado Boulder, PhET simulations began as a way to demonstrate physics phenomena. For example, do a hammer and a feather really fall at the same rate in the absence of air resistance? We can test that experiment on the moon, but here on Earth, we can either set up a complicated and likely flawed experimental system, or program computers to model what may happen.
“PhET simulations are a great way to bridge playing and learning.”
The power of PhET simulations is that they are fully interactive and designed to engage students from elementary to college in learning how various phenomena work. Since its founding in 2002, the types of simulations have grown to encompass all branches of science as well as math. Due to a recent increase in funding, most of the simulations are now programmed in HTML5 rather than using Flash or Java. This means you can click on the simulation and it will load directly into your browser window. The best part? All of it is free!
When you first enter the site, it may be a bit overwhelming as there are over 150 simulations on various topics. The simulations can be found in different languages and there are over 2,000 teacher-written lesson plans. Rather than explain everything that is available on the site, we’ll focus this blog on a couple of the math simulations you might find interesting.
Number line: Integers is for middle school grades learning about positive and negative integers. Number lines are represented as above and below sea level, as money saving and spending, and as a generic number line.
Area Model Algebra is for upper elementary and middle school students. It allows students to explore the multiplication of algebraic expressions including polynomials. The game part of the simulation tests students’ factoring skills.
Trig Tour explores the unit circle with graphs of sine cosine and tangent. You can change the value of theta and look for patterns.
Plinko Probability allows middle and high school students to explore the probability of a single ball falling into a designated bin. The Lab part of the simulation allows you to change the number of rows and the binary probability. You can then compare the way the balls fall with the ideal curve.
There are many more simulations that are exclusively math and that bridge math and science. One of my personal favorites is the Projectile Motion simulation where you try to hit the statue of David with a pumpkin or a car – either in the presence or absence of air resistance.
It only takes a minute to figure out how the simulations work. Then students can explore and discover relationships between variables from there. PhET simulations are a great way to bridge playing and learning.
Click on one of the simulation links above and start to explore what PhET has to offer. Then visit the home page at phet.colorado.edu to find what else is available. Enjoy!
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