Middle Level of ICT Integration

Today we were learned on using PhET stimulation. PhET stimulation is a virtual learning platform where we can do experiments and and practical works virtually. The platform provides us with all kinds of materials and tools required for the practical work.

We tired constructing a circuit using different number of bulbs, wires and batteries and measured voltage and current using tools, it it feels like having a virtual electronics lab. I can drag and drop batteries, wires and blubs to see if the circuit is working . It was way more engaging and entertaining than looking at a textbook diagram. I also like that it wasn't just about getting the right answer.  I could play around and experiment without anything breaking.  I blew up a few virtual bulbs by putting in too much voltage, but that's okay - no harm done!  It helped me learn from my mistakes in a safe way

What I liked about PhET stimulation is:

• Engaging and Interactive: PhET simulations turn dry textbook concepts into something fun and hands-on. Just like playing with a virtual lab, you can manipulate things and see the results in real-time.
• Active Learning: Learning by doing is a powerful approach, and PhET simulations encourage exploration and experimentation. You can try different things and see what happens, making the learning process more active and engaging.
• Visually Appealing: Complex concepts can be difficult to visualize from descriptions alone. PhET simulations often use clear visuals and animations to make abstract ideas more concrete and easier to understand.
• Safe Experimentation: Unlike a real lab, you can play around in PhET simulations without breaking anything. This allows you to experiment freely and learn from mistakes without any consequences.
• Control Variables: PhET simulations often allow you to easily isolate variables and see how changing one thing affects another. This helps you to understand cause-and-effect relationships in a controlled environment.
• Accessibility: PhET simulations are free and available online, making them a valuable resource for anyone with an internet connection. This removes barriers to learning and allows students to explore science concepts at their own pace.

The software provides us opportunities to explore not only in physics fields but also in math, chemistry, biology and earth science. Overall, I can see why this would be a great tool for students.  It's a fun and interactive way to learn about science and math concepts. 

PhET stimulation falls under the category of the Middle level of ICT integration. It involves creating, using, designing, and activities for students that involves exploration. Specially because it has features of lesson planning i.e. it can be included when making lesson plans.

i made a lesson plan using the PHet stimulation;

Lesson Plan: Exploring Gas Properties with PhET's "Gas Properties" Simulation

Subject: Science 

Grade : VI

Topic: Properties of Gases (Pressure, Volume, Temperature)

Learning Objectives:

• Students will be able to define pressure, volume, and temperature.
• Students will be able to identify the relationship between pressure, volume, and temperature in gases.
• Students will be able to use the PhET simulation "Gas Properties" to manipulate variables and observe their effects on gas behavior.

Materials:

• Computers with internet access
• Projector (optional)
• PhET simulation "Gas Properties" (https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/gas-properties/latest/gas-properties_all_debug.html)
• Worksheet with guiding questions (optional)

Lesson Introduction:

1. Activate prior knowledge: Begin with a brainstorming session. Ask students what they already know about gases.  Write down their ideas on the board.
2. Introduce key concepts: Briefly define pressure, volume, and temperature. You can use simple analogies or demonstrations to illustrate these concepts (e.g., pressure as pushing on a surface, volume as the amount of space occupied by a substance, temperature as hot or cold).

Exploration with PhET Simulation (20 minutes):

1. Introduce PhET simulation:  Project the PhET "Gas Properties" simulation on the board or ask students to access it on their own devices. Briefly explain the simulation interface and its different elements (container, particles, pressure gauge, volume indicator, temperature control).
2. Guided exploration:  Provide students with a set of guiding questions or instructions to explore the simulation. These questions might include:
• What happens to the pressure gauge when you increase the number of particles?
• How does the volume of the gas change when you decrease the temperature?
• What happens to the movement of the particles when you increase the pressure?
3. Independent exploration:  Allow students time to independently explore the simulation and experiment with changing different variables (number of particles, volume, temperature). Encourage them to record their observations and answer the guiding questions.

Discussion and Conclusion (15 minutes):

1. Class discussion:  Facilitate a class discussion to share observations and answer the guiding questions. Encourage students to explain the relationships between pressure, volume, and temperature based on their exploration of the simulation. You can use prompts like "Why does the pressure increase when you add more particles?" or "How does temperature affect the movement of gas molecules?"
2. Wrap-up and assessment: Briefly summarize the key takeaways from the activity.  Students can write a short reflection summarizing their observations and learnings about gas properties.  Alternatively, you can use an exit ticket with questions to assess their understanding.

Extension Activities:

• Students can create a model or diagram to illustrate the relationship between pressure, volume, and temperature.
• Students can research real-world applications of these gas properties (e.g., hot air balloons, pressure cookers).

This lesson plan uses the PhET simulation "Gas Properties" as a hands-on learning tool to help students explore and understand the properties of gases. By actively manipulating variables and observing their effects, students can engage with the scientific concepts in a more meaningful way.