PhET

Link to Homepage

Introduction
PhET is a website containing multiple simulations for maths and science. The science simulations can be used for all year levels, from primary school to the HSC and even university. Simulations are downloaded directly onto the computer and a teacher would therefore be able to upload them to the school's online learning system, removing the need to navigate the website. However, a screencap of the website is included below to show the large variety of simulations they have available.




















Included with each simulation is a section where teachers can upload ideas for class activities and questions, making the site an excellent world wide collaborative tool. Included below is an example of the page for a basic forces and motion simulation. As you can see below, the top of the page contains the download link and information about the simulation itself and the bottom part of the page has tips for teachers and teaching ideas.

Instructions
One simulation looks at the states of matter according to particle type, particle movement, temperature and pressure.

The different particles that can be looked at are neon, argon, oxygen and water. Changing states of matter can either be achieved by changing the temperature meter at the bottom of the screen or selecting a preferred state. The particles at each state move accurately according to how the particle behaves in real life. Shown below is an example for water as a solid, liquid and a gas. Also included as a tab on pressure change, but as this is not included in the stage 4 syllabus (see outcomes below), it will not be discussed here.

Use in Class
This simulation can be used at a basic stage four to the HSC chemistry level to investigate states of matter. However, it could be a really useful tool in year seven or eight to engage students with the animation, whilst also demonstrating change of states in an accurate and informative way. It would be really beneficial used in an informal setting so the students could play around with settings and make their own discoveries about states of matter.

A suggestion for an informal class could be asking each student to select an atom or molecule they want to look at and get them to investigate and write down what happens when the temperature is changed and at what temperature things started to happen.

This model would also be a great way to start a conversation about CW1 point f, as it allows students to look at the simulation from a skeptical, scientific perspective.

Outcomes Covered
Stage 4
SC4-16CW: describes the observed properties and behaviour of matter, using scientific models and theories about the motion and arrangement of particles

CW1 The properties of the different states of matter can be explained in terms of the motion and arrangement of particles. (ACSSU151)
a. describe the behaviour of matter in terms of particles that are continuously moving and interacting
b. relate an increase or decrease in the amount of heat energy possessed by particles to changes in particle movement
c. use a simple particle model to predict the effect of adding or removing heat on different states of matter
d. relate changes in the physical properties of matter to heat energy and particle movement that occur during observations of evaporation, condensation, boiling, melting and freezing
e. explain density in terms of a simple particle model
f. identify the benefits and limitations of using models to explain the properties of solids, liquids and gases