Phet: Interactive Science simulations

Phet is an online website that produces free online chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematic simulations.  Since I am a physics major this a great website to have students understand abstract concepts that they would have a hard time imagining.  Physics has many kinds of topics which are relatable and easy to understand, but there are also many concepts that are difficult to grasp, because many of the concepts have to do with invisible forces.  Because physics covers many topics which are intangible Phet is a perfect website that allows students be able to conceptual understand through simulations that this website provides.

For the high school level Phet has simulations for every topic a student would need to go over.  And many of the simulations are presented in a manner that is very fun and similar to playing a game.  I have only used it for the sake of physics, but it is a great way to have students understand the concepts behind the lessons that are being taught.  Phet is not a program where students can teach themselves physics, it does not really go over the math that is needed.  However many times in physics the biggest challenge could be that students do not understand the abstract concepts that the teacher is trying to explain.  Being able to have a resource such as this one can dramatically help students not only to understand physics better, but to come to be excited to learn about physics.  This I believe is one of the biggest benefits of having technology within the classroom; it gives teachers opportunity for every subject to be exciting and inspiring.  I believe once we can understand and learn to use the resources that technologies such as Phet provides it will make teachers jobs a lot easier along with being more exciting.

http://phet.colorado.edu/