Simulations, animations, and 2 or 3-dimensional (2D, or 3D) structures give a clear view to students in terms of understanding the process, or mechanism in science classrooms
These kinds of visual illustrations help them to easily describe the structure of an object. Students can discover the concept by using simulations and it is much more effective and cause longer memorization than learning by listening, seeing, or reading (Akpan, 2001).
Simulations in technological devices can support the learning process to acknowledge science concepts by exploring simulations, they can manipulate physical objects with these tools (Falloon, 2019). The research which was conducted over years, confirms that technology can affect students’ conceptual and cognitive development, and mathematic and literacy skills (Wang, Kinze, McGuire & Pan, 2010, p. 382).
I am sharing several digital learning tools which offer 3D shapes, simulations, and animations on their website and most of them are free to use for teachers and students.
PhET Interactive Simulations, University of Colorado Boulder (simulation)
This tool is free and very helpful in terms of exploring different concepts in Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and Earth science.
Merge (3D model)
Merge Edu offers various 3D shapes and simulations, but for using this website teachers also need to have an app on the device. Students can use a QR code to investigate the objects on their devices. Merge is free to use and very useful, particularly for Biology and STEM subjects.
Nearpod (simulation and 3D model)
Nearpod offers several simulations within the presentation and 3D models in designing lessons.
CK-12 Foundation (simulation)
The fascinating part of CK-12 is “PLIX”, which involves simulation, and quizzes together. Simulations are free to use and involve mainly physical concepts.
Pixton Comics Inc. (animation)
Pixton is available to use for free for a week, the teacher needs to create a class, and share the class code with students, they can make comics on an assigned topic. Students, also teacher can create their avatars on this platform.
Sketchfab (3D model)
Sketchfab has several 3D shapes on concepts from Biology, Science, and technology. Students can explore these objects on this platform.
Corinth (3D model)
Corinth involves many 3D structures from Biology, Paleontology, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Astronomy, and Culture.
JavaLab
JavaLab has several subunits such as Electricity & Magnetism, Mechanics, Work & Energy, Light & Wave, Atoms, Chemistry, Earth, Astronomy, Biology, Measurement, Mathematics, and Technology. The website is free to use and does not demand even registration.
PBS LearningMedia
https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/collection/simbucket/t/simulations/
The platform has some simulations on topics from Physics, and students will able to understand these processes by using them.
Tinkercad
Tinkercad gives broad opportunity to design 3D shapes of different objects, to implement modelling in lessons and then students can print these structures with 3D printers. The platform is very useful for all subjects, especially for STEM.
As an educator, I believe that these tools help us to make enjoyable science classrooms, support students’ knowledge, and motivation to learn topics in this subject, digitalization of education to provide explore various processes by their devices, and visualize these concepts.
References
Akpan, J. P. (2001). Issues associated with inserting computer simulations into biology instruction: a review of the literature. Electronic Journal of Science Education, 5(3)
Falloon G. (2019). Using simulations to teach young students science concepts: An Experiential Learning theoretical analysis. Computers & Education, Volume 135.
Wang et al., (F. Wang, M. Kinzie, P. McGuire, E. Pan), 2010. Applying technology to inquiry-based learning in early childhood education. Early Childhood Education Journal, 37 (2010), pp. 381-389
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