Last updated on 12 May 2026
Understanding science or math is not always easy. Especially when it is necessary to explain somewhat vague ideas, such as forces, atoms or chemical reactions, without anything concrete under the eyes. This is where PhET Come on in.
With these simulations interactives, we move from the theoretical course to a real experience: students move sliders, change parameters, see what happens and understand what is behind the equations. This is much clearer and more motivating too.
You are already using digital tools in class? So PhET is kind of the natural extension. Students can test, observe, be wrong, correct … and really learn, without remaining passive. Thanks to these virtual experiences, sometimes vague notions become accessible, almost obvious.
Try to explain how molecules interact or what a magnetic field is, without visual : It’s complicated, isn’t it? Precisely, that is why theUniversity of Colorado launched this PhET project. Today, the platform offers 150 interactive simulations in fields such as physics, chemistry, biology, Earth sciences or Mathematics.
Everything is in French, accessible online, and above all … is free. So why not?
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A multimedia library full of brilliant ideas
PhET has been designed to help teachers in their daily lives. The objective? Make visible and understandable ideas that would otherwise remain a little blurred. Take the simulation Swings : In a few tries, your students understand what a moment of strength is. With Building an atom, no need for fuzzy metaphors – they see directly how protons, neutrons and electrons organise themselves.
These Resources for Science Courses hook from the first seconds. The interface is colourful, intuitive, almost playful. You want to click, test, experiment. And that changes everything. Learning becomes a kind of game, where each student can progress at their own pace, make mistakes without pressure, and gradually refine their understanding.
How can students be encouraged to take an interest in science?
PhET a an approach that speaks to students : We manipulate, we observe, we understand. It is a bit of a "hand to dough" digital version. This type of learning leaves a stronger mark than a conventional course, and students remember it better.
The great thing about PhET is that it is suitable for all levels. That you are in primary to explain the fractions with Mathematical Simulations, or at the senior level with physical simulations on electrical circuits, you will necessarily find something to do.
A quick reminder: PhET is …
- 100 % free
- Can be used directly online, without installing anything
- Works on computer, tablet or smartphone
- Available in HTML5 for maximum compatibility
On the application interface, a column on the right allows you to sort and filter the simulations proposed in terms of subject matter or school level. Easy to spot.
And that’s not all. Each simulation is accompanied by ultra-practical resources: ready-to-use factsheets, exercises, ideas for activities designed by teachers, validated by pedagogical experts. Enough to save a lot of time in your preparations.
And in concrete terms, how are they used in the classroom?
For everything to go well, it is better to do it step by step. Take a look at the PhET library, find out what fits your goals. Test the simulation before class, so you know where you want to go with your students.
Here is a simple method that works well:
- Choose the simulations that match your program
- Test them yourself to take them in hand
- Integrate them into the progress of your courses
- Let students explore freely at the beginning
- Then offer them clear goals or small challenges
- End with an exchange time in class
For example: Forces and Movement can very well be used to introduce the concept of acceleration, or to review it after a more conventional course. In fact, you can adapt it to the way you do it, and what your students need to rework.
Free exploration or guided activity? Why not both!
What works very well with PhET is to start with a time when students test, tweak, ask their own questions. It arouses their curiosity. Then you can refocus with more structured guidelines, or specific goals.
Simulations are also a great starting point for class discussions. Once they have explored, ask them what they saw, understood, what surprised them. These exchanges make it possible to better anchor the notions and to link the simulation to the rest of the course.
And in order not to spoil anything, do not forget the free educational resources on the PhET website : out-of-the-box activities, student cards, … teacher guides everything is already there.
On the technical side, it is simple. HTML5 versions run on all devices: no need to install anything. And if your connection is a bit capricious, think about download simulations in advance. Always good to know.
A really useful tool for your courses
The PhET platform is a gold mine to make courses more lively. We visualise what we could not explain, we test the impossible, we understand better. Your students hang, hold, participate. And you save time and impact.
So why not Explore the PhET Library as of today? Try a simulation or two, see how your students react … You will see, it changes the atmosphere in the classroom – and the way they learn too.
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