CK-12 Foundation Debuts Free STEM Simulations

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."
CK-12's

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.

About the Author

Joshua Bolkan is contributing editor for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • school building split in half, with one side collapsing into a dark hole

    Office of Educational Technology, National Center for Education Statistics Fall Victim to ED Cuts

    The U.S. Department of Education has announced cuts of nearly half of its staff, numbering more than 1,300 workers, according to AP reporting. While official details on the cuts are not available, early commentary on LinkedIn has revealed drastic cuts in the areas of educational technology and data.

  • glowing digital brain made of blue circuitry hovers above multiple stylized clouds of interconnected network nodes against a dark, futuristic background

    Report: 85% of Organizations Are Leveraging AI

    Eighty-five percent of organizations today are utilizing some form of AI, according to the latest State of AI in the Cloud 2025 report from Wiz. While AI's role in innovation and disruption continues to expand, security vulnerabilities and governance challenges remain pressing concerns.

  • Stylized illustration showing cybersecurity elements like shields, padlocks, and secure cloud icons on a neutral, minimalist digital background

    Microsoft Announces Host of Security Advancements

    Microsoft has announced major cybersecurity advancements across its product portfolio and practices. The work is part of its Secure Future Initiative (SFI), a multiyear cybersecurity transformation the company calls the largest engineering project in company history.

  • students using digital devices, surrounded by abstract AI motifs and soft geometric design

    Ed Tech Startup Kira Launches AI-Native Learning Platform

    A new K-12 learning platform aims to bring personalized education to every student. Kira, one of the latest ed tech ventures from Andrew Ng, former director of Stanford's AI Lab and co-founder of Coursera and DeepLearning.AI, "integrates artificial intelligence directly into every educational workflow — from lesson planning and instruction to grading, intervention, and reporting," according to a news announcement.