I have written about PHET simulations several times over the years. If I remember correctly, the originals were developed in Flash and with the demise of Flash, they have been reworked in HMTL5. New additions are constantly being added to the collection and they are appealing in the K12 environment because they are free.
Simulations have always interested me. They are hands-on, but many offer the important opportunity of trial and error. The opportunity to test your understanding is important because it is a proven way to modify flawed understandings of how things work. Without first activating personal theories, it is possible we can maintain flawed beliefs even when learning an alternative way of understanding.
One example those who study this issue often use is our understanding of electrical current and what is “used up” when some device uses current. For example, a light bulb uses something and we know this because we pay electric bills. It would make some sense that the current measured on one side of a light bulb would be different than on the other side. This is not the case and a simulation allows a test (so does the physical equivalent) of this idea.
Simulations are useful for other reasons, but this example of what it takes to challenge misconceptions is especially interesting.
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