The PhET effect
Using simulations effectively in the classroom.
Published: 5 June 2025
Callum Farnsworth is Head of Physics at Cambourne Village College in Cambridgeshire. For the past 18 months, he has been working with PhET Interactive Simulations (University of Colorado) thanks to an Ogden Teacher Fellowship.
As part of this project, Callum has increased the use of simulations in his classroom, investigating how to use them effectively to save teachers time and to engage learners. He has now published his findings and shared the resources that he has created to help other teachers.
“Kids these days are addicted to their screens, right?” says Callum. “While there is serious concern at what engagement-driven algorithms are doing to the attention spans of a generation, the digital world also has a clear capacity to educate,” he continues.
“I believe the growing number of students with access to devices like iPads or Chromebooks represents a real opportunity to engage and inspire students in the classroom. Most physics teachers are well aware of the possible benefits of using simulations like PhET, oPhysics, or Algodoo, but how can we get the most out of these applications?” he asks.
The resources Callum has created can be found at pheteffect.com. They include simple investigation packs, featuring ‘driving questions’ and slides to consolidate learning, teacher-led class discussion packs and structured investigation packs which allow more complicated concepts to be taught. The packs also include a teacher guide with advice on how to avoid common problems with the simulation, or how to use the simulation to address misconceptions.