STEM Pedagogy with PhET Simulations

Effective STEM education requires more than just sharing facts; it involves creating environments where students can explore, test, and refine their own ideas. This course teaches you how to use PhET simulations as powerful tools for active learning, helping students build deep conceptual understanding through guided inquiry and structured exploration. You will learn to transition from traditional lecture-based instruction to a student-centered model where technology serves as a bridge to complex scientific concepts. By reading through pedagogical frameworks and practical examples, you will gain the skills to transform your teaching approach. What you'll learn: - Understand the foundational principles of active learning and inquiry-based STEM education - Identify appropriate simulations to support specific learning objectives in physics, chemistry, and math - Design written lesson plans and activity guides that promote independent student discovery - Apply modern accessibility and inclusive design strategies to digital learning environments - Practice creating formative assessments to track student progress during simulation-based activities - Implement classroom management techniques for technology-integrated science lessons The course begins with an introduction to active learning theory and key terminology before detailing specific strategies for lesson planning and student facilitation. It is designed for educators, tutors, and curriculum developers at the beginner level, requiring no prior experience with simulation-based instruction. Start transforming your STEM teaching with research-backed simulation strategies.