Expand the Simulation: Effectively Using PhET in Your Lesson

This course is designed so that concepts learned, and resources introduced, can be applied the next day in any school setting. This course is self-paced so participants can set their own schedule!

It is designed to fit the needs of busy educators; one can stop and start this course anytime during the 90 day enrollment period. You should expect to spend a total of 8 hours working through the course content and earn 8 PGP’s.

Once you have completed all course modules you will receive your certificate of completion. This PD was developed at the Region 8 ESC through funding from the Schwab Foundation in Fort Wayne Indiana.

Learning Intentions for this course are:

• Learn how online simulations stimulate students’ curiosity and provide opportunities for students to see concepts in action in a learner focused, interactive environment. 
• Facilitate student collaboration and inquiry learning while providing real world connections.
• Explore simulations that are available for every age and every subject matter with topics ranging from understanding how elections work to science labs to empathy.
• Discover ways simulations can be integrated into a lesson plan. 
• Learn why it is important to use simulations with intention, and how to do so with purpose.
• Journey through simulations developed at the University of Colorado Boulder, PhET. These  simulations are among the best known, most inclusive, and free simulations available.
• Explore the PhET website that provides teacher resources and guidance. (Although the course focuses on PhET simulations, the same principles can be applied to any simulation used in any course. )
• Incorporate a simulation into a lesson outline for students.