PhET Interactive Simulations

PhET Interactive Simulations is an open-access educational platform developed by the University of Colorado Boulder that provides free interactive simulations for teaching science and mathematics. The platform includes a wide range of simulations covering topics such as physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics, allowing students to explore scientific concepts through virtual experimentation.
The tool supports STEM learning by enabling students to test hypotheses, manipulate variables, and observe outcomes in a controlled digital environment. This hands-on approach helps make abstract scientific and mathematical concepts more accessible and easier to understand.
Within the framework of Environment-Based Learning (EBL), PhET simulations can complement real-world environmental activities by allowing students to explore processes that are not easily observable in their immediate environment, such as energy transfer, chemical reactions, or ecosystem dynamics.
The platform is particularly useful in disadvantaged educational contexts, as it provides high-quality learning experiences without requiring specialised equipment or laboratory resources. Its visual and interactive design supports different learning styles and helps increase student engagement.
By combining experimentation, visualisation, and inquiry, PhET simulations contribute to a more inclusive and engaging STEM learning environment.