PhET Interactive Simulations

I have always liked animations. I feel they help students better understand new concepts. It allows them to visualize what is happening, even at the atomic level. I was really disappointed when Google limited Flash animations on the Chromebooks :-(  It used to be so easy to link to a Flash animation in Google Classroom or a Drive file. But anyways, on to someone that is doing something about animations for all devices… PhET!!
I’m sure if you have heard of them. Right? PhET, https://phet.colorado.edu/, has been around for a while. They have quite a few resources for Science and Math classes and all levels. Go check them out! Also, if you are a teacher, make sure you register and you will have access to additional resources.

Make sure to register

PhET’s animations and simulations were either in Java or Flash but with today’s mobile devices neither one of those options would be viable. So PhET has started converting their animation to HTML5, this format will be playable on all mobile devices with a current browser.
In Chemistry, I like starting the Atom unit with the Build An Atom simulation using a Google Form,  And let the students discover, with some direction. :-)

Make sure to click those green plus signs

This then leads us to discuss isotopes where the Isotopes and Atomic Mass simulation can be used.  Luckily, both of the simulations are HTML5 so easily run in the classroom set of Chromebooks in my room.

One of my personal favorites is Molecule Shapes. My drawing ability is not up to par for electronic and molecular geometries so this helps a lot. Students can determine Electron Dense Regions and then determine electronic and molecular geometries for any of the simple molecules we discuss.

Check out what each check-box will do

As I mentioned, teachers really should register. PhET has quite a few resources for you, including a video primer for using the simulation and teacher-submitted activities.

They also have translated versions of the simulations...

So if you are looking for something to help your students better understand some of the concepts you are discussing in class, please check out PhET. You will definitely find something to help your students or something for you  :-)

Thanks for stopping by,
Have a great day,
Efren

P.S. About once a year, they ask for donation and I'm always willing to chip in $5 or $10. I think it's worth it :-D