STEM

CK-12 Foundation Debuts Free STEM Simulations

• By Joshua Bolkan
• 03/04/15

The CK-12 Foundation has launched a simulations module, designed to improve engagement through physics simulations, for its free STEM learning platform.

"CK-12 designed the new physics simulations (sims) to bridge the abstract and real world to help students learn key concepts by relating them to real world examples all around them," according to an news release. "Each of the sims helps to explain multiple concepts in an engaging and relevant way that students can understand and enjoy."

The CK-12 site currently lists 93 sims available with 27 more "coming soon." Examples of sims available now include:

• "Stadium Wave," which uses fans in a stadium to demonstrate concepts about wave speed and interference;
• "Prom Night," which uses a student in front of a mirror to explore ideas about reflection and planes;
• "Doppler Ducks" uses simulated ducks to demonstrate the Doppler effect and waves; and
• "Malt Shop," a simulation that demonstrates concepts related to friction, work and kinetic energy.

Compatible with any Internet connected tablet or computer, the HTML5 simulations include challenge questions designed to test understanding and reinforce concepts.

Though currently available sims explore physics concepts, future simulations will cover other STEM topics. CK-12 also plans to make the simulations customizable in the "near future," according to information released by the organization.

"Interactivity is key in classrooms today to deepen student engagement and expand learning," said CK-12 Founder and Executive Director Neeru Khosla, in a prepared statement. "We've created a full range of sims to help get students and teachers started and then we will be adding tools to enable them to customize and share their own sims." 

More information is available at interactives.ck12.org.