Teaching STEM with PhET Interactive Simulations

STEM educators often struggle to make abstract concepts tangible and engaging for students in a digital environment. This course provides a foundational framework for using PhET simulations to foster deep conceptual understanding through structured guidance and effective activity design. You will learn how to transform your science or math classroom into a space for active discovery. The content explores the pedagogical foundations of interactive tools and provides practical techniques for lesson planning and student engagement. What you'll learn: - Understand the core principles of inquiry-based learning using interactive STEM tools. - Design effective activity sheets that guide students toward discovery without over-directing. - Apply strategies for integrating simulations into diverse classroom settings, including remote and hybrid models. - Master the selection of appropriate simulations for specific learning objectives in physics, chemistry, biology, and math. - Practice creating assessments that measure conceptual growth rather than rote memorization. - Learn how to ensure digital accessibility and inclusive practices when using interactive tools. The course begins with essential terminology and the research behind how students learn with simulations, followed by step-by-step methods for building your own text-based lesson plans. This program is designed for K-12 and higher education instructors who are new to interactive STEM tools and requires no prior technical expertise. Start building more interactive and impactful STEM lessons today.