Math and Science Simulations

The PhET Interactive Simulations Links to an external site. project at the University of Colorado Boulder creates free, interactive math and science simulations Links to an external site.. There are currently 170 simulations available in 69 languages that are based on extensive research Links to an external site. and are designed to engage students of all ages (K - higher education). Their accessible simulations include the use of sound and music to represent foundational science and mathematics relationships, and alternative navigation that moves beyond mouse or touch inputs. Teaching resources Links to an external site. are also provided. Explore this science simulation on static electricity.

Introduction to Balloons and Static Electricity

Interactions:

  • Move Balloon.
  • Rub on sweater, pick up negative charges while leaving positive  – balloon becomes increasingly negatively charged while Sweater becomes increasingly positively charged.
  • Can let go of Balloon – will move in response to charge difference (e.g., be attracted to and stick to Sweater).
  • Negatively charged Balloon can be held against wall and will stick to it because the negative charges on the wall can move. The negative charges in the wall are repelled by the negatively charged balloon, resulting in an induced charge which results in the negatively charged balloon being able to stick to the wall.
  • Adding a second Balloon, students can explore what happens when you have two negatively charged objects. Two negatively charged balloons repel each other, and you can effectively chase one balloon around the screen.
  • Ideas for students to experiment with:
    • Creating a negatively charged balloon and positively charged sweater (opposites attract).
    • Create an induced charge in the wall, opposites attract.
    • Create two negatively charged objects (balloons), like objects repel.Enjoy exploring their other available simulations Links to an external site.!
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STEM-related Organizations

The following is a small list of companies, organizations, and projects which provide a wide variety of tools and resources for creating accessible STEM content. We recommend familiarizing yourself with these organizations and the products, services, and resources they offer.

Design Science Links to an external site.

"Design Science (DSI) was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Long Beach, California. We are the worldwide leader in developing, marketing and supporting software for scientific and technical communication. Our MathType, MathFlow, and MathPlayer software products are used by scientists, engineers, educators and publishing professionals, for authoring and publishing mathematical notation in print and online documents, and for building web pages with interactive math content. We also license components and technology to many OEM partners who want to math-enable their own products. We aggressively research new products and technologies, particularly those that extend our commanding lead in MathML technology."

DIAGRAM Center Links to an external site.

"Established in 2010, the DIAGRAM Center is a research and development center whose goal is to dramatically change the way digital content for Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) is produced and accessed, so that students with disabilities are provided equal access to the general education curriculum, especially science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). DIAGRAM stands for “Digital Image And Graphic Resources for Accessible Materials,” a reference to its original mandate in 2010 to focus on making image content more accessible.  At the end of 2015 the DIAGRAM Center was funded for another five years as DIAGRAM Center + to expand its work beyond images, looking broadly at creating new technologies and communities for accessible education. The DIAGRAM Center is a Benetech Global Literacy initiative."

IDEAL Group Links to an external site.

"Our Mission is to enhance the independence, quality-of-life, quality-of-education and employability of individuals with disabilities. IDEAL Group is a 2002 spin-off from IDEAL at NCR Corporation Links to an external site.. IDEAL Group is made up of six subsidiary companies Links to an external site.."

MathJax Links to an external site.

"A JavaScript display engine for mathematics that works in all browsers. No more setup for readers. It just works."