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There are 7 modules in this course
PhET Interactive Simulations ( https://phet.colorado.edu/ ), a project of the University of Colorado Boulder, provides fun, free, interactive, research-based science and mathematics simulations for use across, primary, secondary, and higher education levels. We extensively test and evaluate each simulation to ensure educational effectiveness. All simulations are open source and free to all students and teachers.
In this course, you will learn how to access and share PhET simulations with your students, and explore the features that make PhET sims a powerful tool for science and mathematics teachers. You will also learn about how to ensure equity in your teaching through the use of active learning.
This course is the first one of the specialization “Active Learning in STEM with PhET Interactive Simulations”, which includes 4 courses in total.
To finish this course, you need to complete one assignment with Peer Review: 1) Selecting PhET simulations.
This course is also available in Spanish as “Introducción a las Simulaciones PhET para la Educación STEM” and in Portuguese as "Introdução às Simulações PhET para Educação STEM".
In this module, you will learn how to access and share PhET simulations with your students, and explore the features that make PhET simulations a powerful tool for science and mathematics teachers.
Model Simplifications & Suggestions for Use •1 minute
Video Primers for Individual Sims•1 minute
Integration and Sharing•2 minutes
PhET PowerPoint Add-In•1 minute
PhET in Google Classroom•1 minute
PhET in OneNote Documents•1 minute
Embedding PhET with an iFrame•10 minutes
PhET Help Center •1 minute
5 assignments•Total 150 minutes
Play with Simulations Tasks •45 minutes
Simulation Teacher Resources •45 minutes
Exploring Teacher Tips •30 minutes
Exploring a Video Primer •15 minutes
Practice with Integration •15 minutes
2 discussion prompts•Total 20 minutes
Exploring the PhET Sim Design Process•10 minutes
Play with Simulations Reflection•10 minutes
1 plugin•Total 5 minutes
Pre-Survey•5 minutes
Module 2: Maximizing Access to PhET Simulations
Module 2•1 hour to complete
Module details
In this brief module, we focus on cultivating a more accessible learning environment that fosters equitable learning and belonging for all students. Specifically, we reflect on the many ways to access PhET simulations.
What's included
6 readings1 assignment
Show info about module content
6 readings•Total 30 minutes
The Importance of Access and Inclusion•1 minute
Platform Compatibility•20 minutes
Sharing Simulations•5 minutes
Downloading HTML5 Simulations•1 minute
Downloading Java Simulations•1 minute
Downloading PhET Apps for Computers and Mobile Devices•2 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Downloading Simulations •30 minutes
Module 3: Maximizing Inclusion with PhET Simulations
Module 3•3 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, we focus on cultivating a more inclusive learning environment that fosters equitable learning and belonging for all students. Specifically, we reflect on inclusive features that PhET simulations offer.
Inclusive Features for Diverse Learning Needs•5 minutes
Sound and Sonification•1 minute
Sound and Sonification with Kepler's Laws•5 minutes
Sound and Sonification with Quadrilateral•5 minutes
Voicing•2 minutes
Voicing with Ratio and Proportion•5 minutes
Interactive Description•10 minutes
Pan and Zoom•1 minute
Interactive Highlights•1 minute
Interactive Highlights with Membrane Transport•5 minutes
Alternative Input•1 minute
Alternative Input with Molecules and Light•5 minutes
Camera Input: Hands•1 minute
Camera Input: Hands with Ratio and Proportion•5 minutes
Accessing Inclusive Features•2 minutes
Flexibility and Contextualization•1 minute
Modify Settings•5 minutes
Customize Screens•5 minutes
Translations•5 minutes
Customization for Translated Simulations•5 minutes
6 assignments•Total 45 minutes
Sound and Sonification with Kepler's Laws Quiz•5 minutes
Interactive Description Quiz•5 minutes
Using Inclusive Features•5 minutes
Modifying Settings •10 minutes
Customize a URL•10 minutes
Practice Finding Translated Simulations •10 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Reflecting on Inclusive Features•10 minutes
Module 4: Embedding PhET into Your Teaching with Activities
Module 4•3 hours to complete
Module details
Now that you are familiar with PhET simulations, how to access them, and their inclusive features, this module focuses on how to integrate them into your curriculum through activities.
What's included
1 reading1 assignment1 peer review
Show info about module content
1 reading•Total 5 minutes
Teacher-Submitted Activities•5 minutes
1 assignment•Total 45 minutes
Practice Finding Activities •45 minutes
1 peer review•Total 120 minutes
Selecting PhET Simulations•120 minutes
Module 5: Creating an Equitable Learning Environment and Culture with PhET
Module 5•2 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, we focus on cultivating a teaching and learning environment that fosters equitable learning and belonging for all students. Specifically, we reflect on how our tendencies as teachers and learners influence the expectations we set and how to move toward Active Learning with PhET simulations.
What's included
1 video7 readings1 assignment4 discussion prompts
Show info about module content
1 video•Total 5 minutes
PhET Founder on Creating Learning Environment and Culture •5 minutes
7 readings•Total 49 minutes
Learning Environment and Culture•2 minutes
Relevance, Representation, and Accessibility•1 minute
Establishing a Growth Mindset•30 minutes
PhET's Equity Framework•5 minutes
Relevance, Representation, and Accessibility•5 minutes
An Equity Assessment of a PhET Simulation•5 minutes
Equity through Active Learning•1 minute
1 assignment•Total 20 minutes
Assessing Equity•20 minutes
4 discussion prompts•Total 40 minutes
Equity in Your Classroom•10 minutes
Reflecting on Goals•10 minutes
Fostering Growth Mindsets with Students•10 minutes
Inviting Student Voice•10 minutes
Module 6: Active Learning with PhET
Module 6•2 hours to complete
Module details
This final module in this course lays the foundation for equity by identifying characteristics of Active Learning, including pedagogical approaches that promote a growth mindset, student agency, and voice, helping students to take ownership of their learning of math or science.
What's included
12 readings2 discussion prompts
Show info about module content
12 readings•Total 57 minutes
Active Learning: a Foundation for Equity•1 minute
Characteristics of Active Learning •1 minute
Address Students' Prior Knowledge•5 minutes
Connect to Context•1 minute
Support Collaboration•1 minute
Promote Belonging•1 minute
Provide Scaffolds•1 minute
Assessments as Learning Opportunities•2 minutes
A Spectrum of Styles of Active Learning•2 minutes
Research on Active Learning in STEM•30 minutes
Active Learning with PhET Simulations•10 minutes
Finding, Selecting, and Saving Activities•2 minutes
2 discussion prompts•Total 75 minutes
Active Learning in Your Classroom•15 minutes
Finding an Activity that Uses Active Learning•60 minutes
Module 7: Conclusion and Next Steps
Module 7•1 hour to complete
Module details
In this final module, we will ask you to reflect on your achievements and identify areas for improvement, provide feedback on this course, and share information on how to download your certificate once you have completed all requirements.
What's included
2 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
2 readings•Total 7 minutes
Spread and Promote PhET Resources•5 minutes
Get Your Certificate•2 minutes
2 assignments•Total 15 minutes
Congratulations!•10 minutes
Knowledge Check•5 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 60 minutes
Evidence for PhET's Impact•60 minutes
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CU Boulder is a dynamic community of scholars and learners on one of the most spectacular college campuses in the country. As one of 34 U.S. public institutions in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), we have a proud tradition of academic excellence, with five Nobel laureates and more than 50 members of prestigious academic academies.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.