4. Fun Applications and Extensions
“Okay students, turn off gravity,” are instructions I can’t expect students to follow. The Balancing Act simulation about balanced torque is another one that quickly evolves into a competition among students. There are quite a few ways to get a balanced see saw (the “right answer”) and students often don’t believe another has solved it until they can prove it. That means students are explaining their solutions to each other, debating their accuracy, and hopefully coming to an agreement.
5. Intuitive Proportions
There are many times when I don’t need students to solve for a number, I just want them to be able to infer a change based on what they know. Many of my students would rather solve a calculation question than answer a conceptual one. Without a number backing it, they often don’t understand the proportions in equations.
I use the Wave on a String simulation to show students how changes in frequency affect the wavelength of a wave. It only takes a few adjustments for them to see and understand the pattern they may have missed with calculations.
6. Simplify to Clarify
Over-simplification can cause problems, and can frustrate students. While studying motion, I must tell students to ignore wind, air resistance, shape and size of the object, etc. There are several simulations that offer simple yet highly visual examples of phenomenon that help make it clear to students.
The Friction simulation shows students what happens at the microscopic level when there is friction between two books. The Balloons and Static Electricity lets me show students what is happening with invisible charged particles when a balloon sticks to the wall.
Whether my students complete a prescribed lab, play them as a game, or see them briefly as part of a lecture, they love interactive simulations. The available depth and variety of simulations means that there is something for every unit and these simulations are embedded throughout my curriculum all year.
- The compliance trap waiting on the other side of Title II - September 11, 2026
- The everyday access control gaps schools overlook - September 10, 2026
- When practice becomes data: Helping teachers respond to student misconceptions - September 8, 2026