PhET

Welcome, future scientists! In this mini-journey, we’ll dive into the exciting world of atoms, ions, and circuits using PhET simulations! With just a few clicks, you’ll explore how electricity flows, how atoms move, and how different materials behave under various conditions. We'll even meet the concepts behind real-world technologies, from batteries to conductors. Get ready to discover science in action — the PhET way!

phET (Physics Education Technology) is a suite of research-based interactive computer simulations for teaching and learning physics, chemistry, mathematics, and other science

Example of phET

Physics

Electricity and circuits

Forces and motion

Energy and waves

Light and sound

Chemistry

Atomic structure

Chemical reactions

Acids and bases

Electrochemistry

Mathematics

Algebra

Fractions

Graphing functions

Probability

Biology

Natural selection

Cell membranes

What do phET offer

Free and Open-Source

All simulations are available for free and are open-source, meaning they can be downloaded and used online or offline.

Interactive and Engaging

Simulation to interact with virtual models, conduct experiments, and explore concepts through intuitive controls like clicking, dragging, and using sliders.

Visualizations of Invisible Concepts

PhET simulations can make invisible concepts, like atoms, electrons, and molecules, visible, aiding in understanding complex scientific principles.

The man behind phET

Full Name: Carl Edwin Wieman

Born: March 26, 1951, in Corvallis, Oregon, USA

Current Position: Emeritus Professor of Physics and Education at Stanford University

Notable Roles: Founder of PhET Interactive Simulations, former Associate Director for Science at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (2010–2012)

Carl Wieman grew up in the forests of Oregon, where his curiosity was nurtured by long hours of reading and exploring nature. He earned his B.S. in physics from MIT in 1973 and completed his Ph.D. at Stanford University in 1977 under the mentorship of Theodor W. Hänsch.

phET simulation

How to use

Step 1: Visit https://phet.colorado.edu

Step 2: Choose your subject or search a topic

Step 3: Click on a simulation

Step 4: Explore and interact!

References

Wieman, C. E., Adams, W. K., & Perkins, K. K. (2008). PhET: Simulations that enhance learning. Science, 322(5902), 682–683. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1161948
PhET Interactive Simulations. (n.d.). University of Colorado Boulder. Retrieved June 13, 2025, from https://phet.colorado.edu
Moore, E. B., Herzog, T., & Perkins, K. K. (2013). Interactive simulations as implicit support for guided-inquiry. Chemistry Education Research and Practice, 14(3), 257–268. https://doi.org/10.1039/C3RP20178C
Adams, W. K., Paulson, A., & Wieman, C. E. (2008). What levels of guidance promote engaged exploration with interactive simulations? AIP Conference Proceedings, 1064(1), 59–62. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3021242

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