TeachersFirst Simulation Resources
Educational simulations offer immersive learning experiences that bridge the gap between theory and practice for students across various disciplines. These resources allow students to explore, experiment, and problem-solve in risk-free settings. Science simulations enable virtual lab experiments, while historical simulations transport students to pivotal moments in time, and language simulations create authentic conversational scenarios. By providing immediate feedback and encouraging active learning, simulations help students develop critical thinking skills, improve decision-making abilities, and gain deeper insights into various topics. Simulations offer great differentiation options for students who may need extra support.
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Simulations - Physics - PhET's Simulations
Grades
5 to 12tag(s): atoms (47), circuits (19), density (20), electricity (60), energy (137), forces (45), friction (11), light (56), magnetism (36), mass (20), matter (48), motion (53), planets (119), probability (96), simulations (40), solar system (115), sound (73), sounds (40)
In the Classroom
Students can use Kiddle reviewed here to research more information about the topic after they have played the simulation. Students can use Dotstorming reviewed here to vote on their favorite. Students can use Google Keep reviewed here to take notes as they are engaging in the simulation.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Classical Genetics Simulator - Ben Adamczyk
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): genetics (83), simulations (40)
In the Classroom
Students can use CGS to simulate monohybrid and dihybrid crosses, predicting offspring traits using Punnett squares before running the simulation. They can compare their predicted ratios with actual results and discuss any variations. Have students receive a set of unknown parent organisms and determine the inheritance pattern of a specific trait (e.g., dominant/recessive, incomplete dominance) by analyzing the results of simulated breeding experiments on their offspring. Students research a human genetic disorder, such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia, and then use CGS to model its inheritance pattern. They could create a family pedigree chart using Canva Edu, reviewed here or a mapping tool such as MindMup, reviewed here and explain how the disorder is passed down through generations.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Storm Smart - Smithsonian Science Education
Grades
K to 3tag(s): hurricanes (34), simulations (40), tornadoes (15), weather (162)
In the Classroom
Before using Storm Smart, have students work in small groups to sort picture cards into two categories: "Safe During a Storm" (ex., staying indoors, having an emergency kit) and "Not Safe During a Storm" (ex., standing under a tree during lightning). Discuss their choices and introduce the simulation. After learning about different storms in Storm Smart, students can create a safety poster for one type of severe weather, such as a tornado or a hurricane. They should include at least three safety tips and illustrations to help their classmates prepare. Students can work together to design a storm preparedness plan for their school or neighborhood. Next, have students discuss where to seek shelter, what supplies are needed, and how families can stay informed during severe weather.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Penguin Protection - Smithsonian Science Education
Grades
K to 3tag(s): animals (277), simulations (40)
In the Classroom
Before using the simulation, students could participate in a role-playing game where they act as penguin parents protecting their "egg" (a small ball or beanbag) from environmental dangers (ex., wind, cold, predators). This introduces them to the challenges penguins face in the context of Penguin Protection. After exploring the simulation, students can create a diorama of a rockhopper penguin habitat using a shoebox or a digital tool such as Tinkercad, reviewed here. Students can identify and label important features, such as nesting areas, food sources, and predators. Students imagine they are rockhopper penguins and write a short story about their journey raising a chick. They describe challenges like finding food, staying warm, and avoiding predators.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Sunlight on the National Mall - Smithsonian Science Education
Grades
K to 2tag(s): seasons (54), simulations (40), sun (82)
In the Classroom
On a sunny day, take students outside to stand in one spot and trace their shadows with chalk at different times. They compare their real-life observations to how shadows change in Sunlight on the National Mall. If outdoor observations aren't possible, they can use a lamp and a pencil on paper to create a mini sundial. Students can use a flashlight and a small object (like a toy or cup) to model how the Sun's changing position affects shadows. Have students predict and test how a shadow changes when the light source moves, connecting their discoveries to the simulation's observations of sunlight and shadows at different times of the day. Students can explore how sunlight varies in different locations, comparing the Sun's path on the National Mall to other locations (ex., the Arctic Circle vs. the equator). Students can research and present why some places experience nearly 24 hours of daylight or darkness during certain times of the year. They can use Google Slides, reviewed here to make a presentation. The teacher can create a template to make it easier for young learners.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Build-a-Fish - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
3 to 8tag(s): adaptations (15), evolution (84), habitats (99), marine biology (32), reefs (8), simulations (40)
In the Classroom
Before using the Build-a-Fish tool, show students images of various fish species and their habitats. Have them predict which body shapes, fins, or colors help the fish survive in their environment. After using the interactive tool, discuss how their predictions compare to their results. Students can create their own "Build-a-Fish" designs on paper by choosing specific adaptations such as body shape, mouth type, and fin placement. They must justify their choices based on the fish's hypothetical habitat (ex, deep ocean, coral reef, freshwater stream). Then, they can compare their designs with real-world fish species. Have students apply their understanding of adaptations to design a completely fictional aquatic creature. They can illustrate and describe how their creature's adaptations help it survive. Then, they can present their designs to the class in a "Marine Life Discovery Expo." Have students research real fish species and compare their adaptations to the choices they made in Build-a-Fish. They can create a comparison chart that shows similarities and differences, explaining how real-world environmental factors have shaped these adaptations.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Whale Protection Corps - Smithsonian Science Education
Grades
2 to 5tag(s): ecosystems (90), habitats (99), oceans (140), simulations (40), whales (12)
In the Classroom
Using Google Earth, reviewed here or printed maps, have students identify locations where whale migration overlaps with major shipping routes. They can propose protective zones based on research and compare them to actual conservation areas. After playing Whale Protection Corps, have students collect data from their gameplay, such as the number of whale collisions prevented and the cost of implementing solutions. Have them create bar graphs or line charts using paper, ClassTools, reviewed here, or Canva Infographic Creator, reviewed here to compare different strategies. Discuss how data informs real-world environmental decision-making. Students can write a persuasive letter to a government official, advocating for the protection of whales. They can utilize evidence from the simulation and their research to explain why certain solutions should be implemented in real life.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Camp Fire Simulation - National Geographic
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): climate (87), climate change (100), fire (24), fire prevention (17), fire safety (17), simulations (40)
In the Classroom
Challenge students to design a wildfire prevention campaign based on what they learn in the simulation. They can create posters, videos, or social media posts educating the public on fire safety, preparedness, and mitigation strategies. An option would be to use Canva Edu, reviewed here. Assign students the role of wildfire incident commanders. Using the simulation, they can develop a fire containment plan, justifying their choices. After running the simulation, students can research how climate change affects wildfire frequency and intensity, create infographics or presentations using Canva Infographic Creator, reviewed here or Google Slides, reviewed here linking simulation data with real-world wildfire trends.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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SimBucket Science Simulations - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): circuits (19), density (20), rockets (13), simulations (40)
In the Classroom
Set up rotating stations, each featuring a different simulation related to an upcoming or current unit. Turn a simulation into a classroom challenge where students must reach a specific goal, such as designing the most efficient roller coaster in a physics simulation. Award points for creativity, accuracy, or problem-solving strategies. Pair a science simulation with a writing assignment. An example could be after using a weather or climate simulation, students can write a news report on video using Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here or a first-person journal entry from the perspective of a scientist analyzing the data.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Science Simulations and Games - SimPop
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): simulations (40), solar system (115), STEM (328)
In the Classroom
Solar System Scale Model - After exploring the solar system simulation, have students create a scaled model of the planets using various objects such as balls, fruits, or paper cutouts. They can compare their models to the simulation and discuss the challenges of accurately representing distances in space. After adjusting variables in the projectile motion simulation (such as angle, velocity, and gravity), students can conduct a real-world experiment by launching small objects that can include foam darts and balls. Students can collect data, create graphs, and analyze how factors affect projectile trajectory. The convex lens simulation allows students to explore how lenses focus light at different distances. Then, they experiment with real convex lenses, observing how they can magnify text or focus sunlight to burn paper. They discuss applications in eyeglasses, microscopes, and telescopes. After interacting with the electroscope simulation, students experiment with real objects (balloons, wool, plastic rods) to create static electricity. They compare their real-world observations to the simulation and explain how charge interactions affect the movement of the electroscope's metal leaves.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Simulation Games- Math Games - Coolmath.com
Grades
4 to 10tag(s): game based learning (218), logic (152), problem solving (240), simulations (40)
In the Classroom
Have your students select a simulation game and compete to develop the best strategy. After playing, they can write a reflection explaining their approach, challenges faced, and adjustments they made to improve their performance. Use business or city-building simulation games to teach budgeting and resource allocation. Students can track their decisions and explain how they manage money, supplies, or time effectively. They can compare different strategies and discuss real-world applications. After playing a few simulation games, students can brainstorm and design their own simulation concept. They can create rules, objectives, and potential challenges. Have students play a simulation game and keep a journal documenting their choices, the outcomes, and any patterns they notice. At the end of the activity, they can analyze their decision-making process and propose improvements, reinforcing logical reasoning. They can work on a digital journal using Book Creator, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Journey Through an Exploded Star - Smithsonian Education
Grades
4 to 10tag(s): simulations (40), stars (77), STEM (328)
In the Classroom
Students can illustrate and write a comic strip showing the life cycle of a massive star, from birth to supernova. The comic strip can be made digitally using Free Comic Strip Maker, reviewed here or Make Beliefs Comics, reviewed here. Using real astronomical data from the website, have students analyze how and when a star might go supernova and present their findings to the class. Using the information from the website, students can create a timeline of a star's life cycle, labeling key stages like protostar, main sequence, red giant, and supernova. They can present their timeline on paper or digitally using an infographic tool such as Turbo Timeline Generator, reviewed here or Timeline, reviewed here. Students can also research what happens after a supernova (neutron stars, black holes, etc.) and debate the most fascinating aftermath.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Home on the Range - Smithsonian Science Education
Grades
K to 2tag(s): ecosystems (90), game based learning (218), habitats (99), simulations (40)
In the Classroom
Before using Home on the Range, students can participate in a matching game where they pair different plants and animals with their correct habitats (ex., cactus with desert, frog with wetland). Afterward, they test their knowledge using the simulation. Students could design a shoebox diorama or digital drawing using Draw.to, reviewed here of an ecosystem featured in Home on the Range, including plants, animals, and important environmental features. Have students explain how living things interact in their chosen habitat. Challenge students to create an imaginary habitat with unique plants and animals. They must explain how living things in their ecosystem depend on each other and what conditions are necessary for survival.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Light Up The Cave - Smithsonian Science Education
Grades
K to 2tag(s): experiments (60), light (56), simulations (40)
In the Classroom
Before using the simulation, place different objects (flashlight, mirror, book, glow stick, etc.) inside a covered box. Let students reach inside and predict which objects will produce or reflect light. Then, discuss their predictions before testing the items. After using Light Up the Cave, students can explore how light interacts with objects by creating shadow puppets or using flashlights to test transparent, translucent, and opaque materials. Have students record observations about which objects block, pass, or scatter light. Provide students with picture cards of objects (ex., sun, candle, mirror, window, flashlight). They can work in pairs to sort the objects into "Light Source" and "Not a Light Source" categories and then discuss their reasoning. Students can research different real-world uses of light (ex., miners' headlamps, deep-sea bioluminescent animals, emergency glow sticks) and present their findings through a poster or mini-report.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Sugar Simulation - Smithsonian Science Education
Grades
K to 5tag(s): experiments (60), simulations (40)
In the Classroom
Before using the Sugar Simulation, students conduct a hands-on experiment by dissolving sugar in water at different temperatures (cold, room temperature, hot). They record observations and then use the simulation to visualize what happens at the particle level. After exploring the Sugar Simulation, students can create physical models (using balls, beads, or digital drawings) to show how sugar particles interact with water molecules. They explain how temperature affects the speed of dissolving. Consider having students make 3D models on a device using Delightex (formerly CoSpaces) reviewed here or Tinkercad, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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PhET Interactive Simulations - University of Colorado
Grades
K to 12tag(s): acids and bases (7), area (39), atoms (47), charts and graphs (165), electricity (60), fractions (152), functions (51), gravity (46), light (56), magnetism (36), matter (48), molecules (42), ph (2), probability (96), quadratics (27), simple machines (21), simulations (40), sound (73), space (230), STEM (328)
In the Classroom
Challenge students to explore a PhET simulation related to a current science topic, such as circuits, gravity, or states of matter. They can make predictions before interacting with the simulation and record their observations to compare with their initial ideas. Give students a scavenger hunt worksheet with specific challenges to complete in a simulation (ex., "Find a way to make a circuit light up" in the Circuit Construction Kit). Students design a virtual experiment using a PhET simulation. They choose a variable to change, make a hypothesis, run multiple trials, and record their results in a data table or graph before sharing their findings. After using a PhET simulation, students discuss or write about real-world applications of what they learned (how forces affect roller coasters, how molecules move in different states of matter) and present their findings using Visme, reviewed here or Google Slides, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OER Project's The Silk Roads - OER Project's The Silk Roads
Grades
6 to 10In the Classroom
Students can watch the video, read the articles, and complete the stimulation activity. Students can video record themselves doing the stimulation activity, showing others how the Silk Roads goods and services traveled. Students can share their experiences and debate the value of the Silk Road to trade. Finally, students can compare the Silk Road to other ancient civilizations' trade.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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MultiSim Live Circuit Simulator - National Instruments
Grades
6 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): circuits (19), electricity (60), engineering (135), simulations (40), STEM (328)
In the Classroom
Organize a challenge where students must design a circuit that meets specific criteria, such as creating a basic amplifier or a light-activated switch. Have students research a real-world electronic device and identify its key circuits. Assign students to explore different electronic components available in Multisim, such as capacitors, inductors, and diodes. After designing and simulating a circuit in Multisim, students can collect data on its performance and represent their findings on graphs and charts on a resource such as Canva Infographic Creator reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Engage & Inspire with Simulations - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Learn how to integrate learning simulations like Quandry and MissionUS into your classroom! During this engaging session, participants will learn to distinguish between simulations and learning games, explore the unique benefits of each, and discover strategies to inspire and engage students through interactive learning experiences. Whether you're new to educational simulations or looking to deepen your understanding, this free workshop offers valuable insights and practical techniques that will enhance student learning. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Differentiate simulations and learning games, noting their benefits. 2. Integrate simulations to meet learning objectives. 3. Reflect on ways simulations can enhance learning. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): OK2Askarchive (71), professional development (273), simulations (40)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Humy - Humy.ai
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): american revolution (84), art history (103), artificial intelligence (217), authors (101), black history (129), chat (36), civil rights (216), civil war (141), environment (244), great depression (30), greeks (45), presidents (145), religions (122), renaissance (38), space (230), Teacher Utilities (170), women (172), world war 1 (83), world war 2 (165)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the free account provided by Humy to generate conversations on your interactive whiteboard with historical figures to introduce new lessons and units and engage students in upcoming activities. For example, before reading The Giver by Lois Lowry, select her name from the Humies to have a conversation to learn about her inspiration for writing the book and allow students to ask questions about her writing style and how she developed her storytelling skills. Use the chat conversations as a starting point for research projects on historical figures or periods. Ask students to share their projects by creating websites with Google Sites, reviewed here or by using Google My Maps, reviewed here to create an interactive story based on locations on the map.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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