ICT as Situating tool

        

phET Simulation

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

phET interactive simulations, developed by

the university of Colorado Boulder, is an

online platform that offers free, research-

based science and math simulations. These

interactive tools allow students to explore

concepts in physics, chemistry, biology, earth

science and math in s hands-on, visual and

engaging way. With a simple drag and drop

design, learners can manipulate variables, observe outcomes and truly understand how 

systems work just like in a real lab. Integrating phET simulations into teaching and learning 

creates real-life contexts for abstract concepts. Forinstance, before introducing a topic, 

student can play with the simulation to make predictions and observations. During lesson, 

teachers can use simulations to show cause and effect relationships in real time. In situation 

where lab equipment is unavailable, phET becomes a safe, cost-effective alternative for 

experimentation.                                            

                                                                            

In addition, students can investigate, ask questions and 

adjust variables promoting critical thinking. likewise, 

students can revisit the simulations at home to review or 

deepen their understanding.

What makes phET truly special, in my experience, is 

how it transforms learning from something passive into 

something lived and felt. I remember the first time I 

used phET simulation for learning electrical circuits. 

Instead of teacher drawing symbols on the board, we 

could drag batteries, bulbs and wires on the screen and 

see the circuit come to life. Our excitement was real, 

where we were experimenting, discovering and learning 

without fear oof making mistakes. Another example could be like learning behaviors of 

light as shown in the image. The image shows a phET simulation focused on the behavior 

of light. It specifically shows how it interacts with different materials. In this simulation, 

students can shine a beam of light onto the object and observe how it reflects, refracts or 

gets absorbed. They can change the angle of the light, switch materials like glass, water or  

air and even adjust the wavelength of the light beam.

What's powerful about this tool is that it visualize invisible concepts. Students can actually 

see how light bends when moving from one medium to another or how it reflects off shiny 

surfaces. It's not just theory on a page anymore. It becomes an interactive experience, 

helping students build a deeper, more intuitive understanding of light. 

Therefore, I see phET not just as a teaching aid, but as a powerful situating tool. It helps 

learners’ step into the shoes of scientists and problem-solvers, making abstract concepts 

come alive in real-world contexts.