PhET Simulations as a STEM Resource in the Classroom

In the rapidly evolving landscape of STEM education, keeping students engaged while tackling abstract concepts is one of the greatest challenges educators face. This session delves into the transformative power of PhET Interactive Simulations, a project founded by Nobel Laureate Carl Wieman. We will explore how these research-based tools can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical understanding, providing a safe and interactive environment for students to experiment with phenomena that would otherwise be invisible or too dangerous to replicate in a standard classroom.

Participants will be guided through a series of practical demonstrations, showcasing how to seamlessly integrate specific simulations into existing lesson plans for physics, chemistry, biology, and math. We will move beyond simple "play" and discuss structured inquiry-based learning strategies that encourage students to predict, observe, and explain. The focus will be on shifting the role of the student from a passive recipient of information to an active scientist, fostering critical thinking and data analysis skills essential for the 21st century.

Finally, we will address the accessibility and inclusivity features of PhET simulations. Whether you are teaching in a high-tech lab or a resource-limited environment with intermittent internet access, this session will provide concrete solutions. By the end of this talk, educators will leave with a curated toolkit of resources and the confidence to deploy these simulations immediately, making science and math not just a subject to study, but an experience to explore.

About the speaker

Claudia Amaya, founder of Teomatics, which means Mathematical Theology and Information and Communication Technologies, also is a passionate STEM educator and specialist in educational technology with over 20 years of experience in curriculum development and classroom instruction. Holding a Master's in Education Technology, Math degree, Theology degree and PhD Candidate in Education, Claudia has dedicated their career to modernizing how science and mathematics are taught in diverse educational settings.

Recognized for their ability to simplify complex concepts using digital tools, Claudia is an ideal speaker on this topic due to their extensive hands-on experience implementing PhET simulations as a Professional Development Coach to improve student outcomes in all around the world. They do not just advocate for technology for technology's sake; rather, they focus on pedagogical efficacy. Claudia has trained hundreds of teachers on inquiry-based learning and believes that interactive visualization is the key to unlocking the next generation of scientific minds.

Connect with Claudia Amaya here:

• Website: https://phet.colorado.edu/

• Website: https://www.teomatics.com/ 

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-amaya-teomatics/ 

This event was organized by Mums In Science. Supported By Cancer Care Parcel