Indicates a research-demonstrated benefit

CPU Computer Simulators

Overview

A suite of 24 computer simulators available online covering many areas of physics and physical science. Each simulator allows one to create many different situations to explore phenomena, conduct simulated experiments to test your own models, and to get feedback including multiple representations.

	Type of Method	Computer simulations
	Level	Designed for: Teacher Preparation, Teacher Professional Development, High School, Intro College Calculus-based, Intro College Algebra-based, Intro College Conceptual
	Setting	Designed for: Studio, Lecture - Large (30+ students), Lecture - Small (<30 students), Recitation/Discussion Session, Lab, Homework
	Coverage	Few topics with great depth, Many topics with less depth
	Topics	Mechanics, Electricity / Magnetism, Waves / Optics, Thermal / Statistical
	Instructor Effort	Low
	Resource Needs	Projector in class, Computers for student use in class, Computers for student use outside of class
	Skills	Designed for: Conceptual understanding of physics content, Connecting conceptual and mathematical understanding, Representing knowledge in multiple ways Can be adapted for: Understanding how physics relates to the real world, Model building
	Research Validation	Based on research into: how students learn, student ideas about specific topics Demonstrated to improve: scores on written conceptual tests, beliefs about physics Studied using: conceptual pre/post exams, classroom observations, video of students
	Compatible Methods	Peer Instruction, PhET, UW Tutorials, JiTT, Ranking Tasks, ILDs, CGPS, Physlets, Context-Rich Problems, RealTime Physics, Workshop Physics, TIPERs, ABP Tutorials, SCALE-UP, Modeling, OSP, SDI Labs, OST Tutorials, ISLE, Thinking Problems, Workbook for Introductory Physics, LA Program, PET, PSET, LEPS, CAE TPS, Lecture-Tutorials, Astro Ranking Tasks, MBL, SCL, TEFA, CU Modern, Energy Project, SGSI, Paradigms, PUM, EiP, Tools for Scientific Thinking, M&I, Tutorials, Clickers, PRISMS PLUS
	Similar Methods	PhET, Physlets, OSP
	Developer(s)	Fred Goldberg and many others
	Website	http://cpucips.sdsu.edu/simulators.html