Education: Understanding science in video

Understanding science through interactive videos

the site https://phet.colorado.edu allows students of all ages to approach science in a direct way that may be more suitable for them than the boring lectures of their science teachers.

📚 A unique tool for learning science

PhET Interactive Simulations is an educational platform designed to help students better understand science through virtual and interactive experiences. It was created at the University of Colorado by a team of researchers and teachers, led by Nobel Laureate in Physics Carl Wieman. The goal is clear: to make science learning more concrete, visual, and engaging, through simulations accessible to all.

👨‍🔬 Who is behind PhET?

The project began in 2002 and continues to be developed by a team of experts in education, design, and computer science. Their work is regularly tested in the classroom to ensure the simulations' educational effectiveness. Director Katherine Perkins oversees the creation of content designed for students of all levels, from middle school to university.

🎥 What content is offered?

PhET provides more than a hundred simulations covering several disciplines:

• Physical : forces, energy, movement, electromagnetism…
• Chemistry : reactions, solutions, equilibria, molecular structure…
• Biology : genetics, cell membranes, ecosystems…
• Earth Sciences : climatic phenomena, erosion, natural cycles…
• Mathematics : fractions, functions, probabilities, statistics…

Each simulation is interactive: the student can modify parameters, observe the effects in real time, compare graphs and understand phenomena invisible in reality.

Example video on parallel and series electrical circuits

🎯 Why is PhET an asset for students?

1. Making science visible : abstract concepts like electricity or atomic structure become concrete through animated visuals.
2. Stimulate curiosity : the playful approach encourages exploration and asking questions.
3. Accessibility : The simulations are free and available in multiple languages, making them useful for millions of students worldwide.
4. Versatility : they can be used in class with a teacher, at home to revise, or even in a virtual laboratory.
5. Skills building : beyond the formulas, students understand the “why” behind each scientific phenomenon.

🔍 Limits to know

Although the tool is extremely rich, it does not entirely replace hands-on lab experiments. Some older simulations may also be less suited to newer devices. Finally, to fully benefit from it, it is recommended that teachers guide students through the exploration to avoid misconceptions.

🌍 A worldwide success

PhET is now used in thousands of schools and universities. Teachers regularly testify to its effectiveness in making their lessons more lively and understandable. Students, for their part, appreciate being able to manipulate concepts, test their hypotheses, and learn through virtual experience.

✍️ In summary

PhET Interactive Simulations is a free educational resource that is transforming science learning. Through interactive videos and virtual experiments, it allows students to visualize complex phenomena and gain a deeper understanding of physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and Earth science. Developed by the University of Colorado, this innovative project combines scientific rigor with modern pedagogy to make science accessible, fun, and engaging.