2014 Biennial Conference on Chemical Education

The PhET Interactive Simulations project (http://phet.colorado.edu) has developed over 30 chemistry simulations (sims), which support student learning through scientist-like exploration and experimentation. Sims make the invisible visible, incorporate multiple representations, and emphasize connections between real life phenomena and the underlying science. PhET sims are designed to be flexible tools, and can be used for classroom demonstrations, clicker questions, guided inquiry activities, laboratory exercises, and homework. In each context, the supporting materials (eg. an activity sheet) can target specific process and content learning goals using the sims. In this workshop, participants will use guidelines and existing activities to develop supporting materials and facilitation plans to couple with sims in their teaching. This workshop is appropriate for those new to PhET, as well as seasoned sim users looking to design and receive feedback on new supporting materials. This symposium is sponsored by the ACS CHED Committee on Computers in Chemical Education, http://www.ccce.divched.org/.