For educators and students alike, hands-on learning is one of the most effective ways to understand complex concepts. PhET simulations provide interactive, research-based experiences that allow students to experiment, explore, and apply concepts in a safe digital environment making abstract ideas tangible and meaningful.
The great news is that Wayground now has the 60 most popular PhET simulations fully integrated. This allows you to combine the exploratory power of PhET with the instant feedback, auto-grading, and tracking features that Wayground offers.
Why PhET is so powerful for learning
PhET simulations are designed around active, inquiry-based learning. Instead of passively reading or watching, students manipulate variables, test hypotheses, and see immediate results. This kind of learning:
- Encourages deep understanding of scientific and mathematical concepts
- Allows students to apply knowledge in real scenarios without the risk of real-world mistakes
- Supports critical thinking as students predict outcomes, analyze results, and iterate on experiments
- Engages learners of all levels with visual, interactive, and playful experiences
For example, a simulation on electric circuits lets students connect batteries, resistors, and bulbs to see how voltage and current behave. Students can experiment with different setups, see immediate visual feedback, and reflect on why certain configurations work. This kind of application-based learning helps students transfer knowledge from the virtual simulation to real-world problem-solving.
Ready-to-go activities
Wayground includes a sheet with all 60 free PhET activities. Each activity is ready to assign, but you can also modify them to fit your lesson goals or curriculum needs. Whether you’re teaching physics, chemistry, biology, or mathematics, these simulations provide students with meaningful opportunities to practice, experiment, and apply concepts.
How to get started
- Browse the sheet of 60 simulations to find activities relevant to your lesson
- Assign simulations directly to students in Wayground for instant feedback and auto-grading
- Encourage reflection: Ask students to record observations, make predictions, or explain results in a short write-up or discussion
- Modify activities to include challenges or extensions that connect simulations to real-life applications
PhET simulations in Wayground are more than just online activities—they are a way to bring abstract concepts to life, support true application of learning, and make exploration meaningful.
Tips for Educators
Pair simulations with reflective prompts. Ask students to explain why a result occurred, how it connects to real-world scenarios, or how they might apply the concept in a hands-on experiment. This makes the learning experience active, applied, and memorable.
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