PhET Simulations

Return to the Tools and Calculators series of pages or Lesson Planning.

For a complete index of Math HTML5 sims by topic see PhET Sims – Index.

Trig Tour

Trig Tour is one of the excellent HTML5 Math PhET Simulations from The University of Colorado Boulder. There are numerous PhET simulations covering Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science and Mathematics. Note the collection of HTML5 versions which will work across all platforms and devices.

Note that teachers can register with PhET and gain access to supporting documentation for each resource. (See ‘For Teachers’.)

For an excellent introduction to Functions the PhET Simulation, Function Builder provides a very visually appealing resource. Using the pattern option even very young students could explore important concepts. This is very intuitive to use, the slides in the following slideshow demonstrate examples of its use. 

You can download all the HTML5 sims so they are available offline in an app. Available for iOS and Android for only $0.99 / 89p  which supports HTML5 sims.

PhET Balancing Act working nicely on my phone!
balancing-act

Staying with Mechanics, one of my favourites now available in HTML5 collection: Projectile Motion.

Projectiles

PhET Projectiles

For Algebra we have some lovely simulations – really clear demonstrations.

Algebra - Area model

Area Algebra Model – PhET Simulations

Area Model Algebra is very simple to use. Rectangles of various sizes can be built showing the relationship between multiplication and area.

Also in the collection, I like both Area Model Decimals and the Equality Explorer series.

Area Model - Decimals - PhET Simulations

Area Model Decimals – PhET Simulations

 

Equality Explorer - PhET SIMS

Equality Explorer – PhET Simulations

The ability to display or hide the variable and to take snapshots means working can be clearly shown.

Equality Explorer 2 - PhET SIMS

Equality Explorer – PhET Simulations

Return to the Tools and Calculators series of pages or Lesson Planning.