Learn PhET

Introduction

PhET is an educational resource that contains computer demonstrations of experiments and activities. It is a collection of science simulations that can be integrated in classroom teaching-learning.

Basic information

ICT Competency	PhET is a free and open source educational software for subject resource creation. (Science and Maths) It is a collection of free, interactive, research-based science and mathematics simulations.
Educational application and relevance	All simulations are free and open source. Simulations allow students to explore in detail scientific concepts and phenomena. The simulations show dynamic processes and these can be slowed down, sped up, or paused, depending on the concept being shown; the invisible is made visible; and multiple representations are linked. The sims can be easily adjusted by the teacher during discussions. These features often make simulations more effective for learning and more practical to use than static drawings or live demos. Simulations can also be used for formative assessments.
Version	PhET Version - 1.1.7
Configuration	No specific configuration requirements.
Other similar applications	Virtual Laboratory , Chemistry virtual lab, Biology virtual lab
The application on mobiles and tablets	PhET Sims app can be downloaded from android versions Google Playstore.
Development and community help	The simulations are written in Java, Flash or HTML5, and can be run on-line or downloaded to your computer. It is an initiative from University of Colorado. Official Website

Overview of Features

PhET is a virtual lab with simulations for sciences and math. Simulations are categorized by physical science biological science and earth sciences. Simulations are also classified by grade level and by device. Translated simulations are also available.

Installation

If its not available under Applications > Education, then you install PhET in your computer through the following steps

Select System tools → Preferences → Main menu → Select Education→ Click on New Item → Name – PhET → Command-  firefox /opt/PhET/index.html → OK

Working with the application

Working with PhET application

• Opening PhET & Simulations
• 

  PhET main page

• 

  PhET Simulations

1. You can find PhET under Applications> Education> Science. PhET is an educational resource that contains computer demonstrations of experiments and activities.
2. When you click on "Play with Simulations" – it will open simulations in various subjects. You just click on Physics and scroll down to the simulation on Pendulum Lab. When you want to open a simulation, click on the green rectangle which says “Run Now”.

Working with Pendulum Simulation

The power of a simulation is in capturing different points in a phenomenon and using discussion questions to facilitate student learning. The following example describes a lesson using a simulation.

• Working with Pendulum Simulation
• 
• 

1. Notice where the pendulum is:
   1. is it higher, lower or at the same level as the central position?
   2. Notice the graph – what are the two variables on the bar chart?
   3. What do you think will happen to the pendulum next?
2. Notice where the pendulum is – has it moved? What can you say about its movement? Notice the graph – what are the variables on the bar chart? What are the values of PE and KE as compared to total energy?

• 
• 

1. Notice where the pendulum is:
   1. Has it moved? Is it higher or lower than the central position?
   2. Did you notice anything about the speed of the bob as it moves from one extreme position to another?
   3. Notice the graph – what are the variables on the bar chart?
   4. What has happened to the values of the KE and PE as compared to total energy?
   5. What do you think is happening? Is this what you will think will happen when you try this experiment? Why? Why not? What is different?
2. Notice where the pendulum is:
   1. This extreme position to the right is at a different height than. Why? What role does friction play and where does it come from
   2. Look at the graph – what are the variables in the bar chart? Where has the thermal energy come from? What do you expect will happen to the simple pendulum?

Saving the files and formats

PhET simulation does not have its own file format, which you can save the web link in .html format. However you can create image files of the PhET simulation you are working on, by using the Screenshot application.  Screencast recording of a simulation can be done to create resources for the classroom.

Ideas for resource creation

You can use the activities in PhET to create resources in video format as mentioned earlier. You can also create a set of screenshots of a simulation and present it along with explanatory text as a slide show

References

Colorado University