2007/09/30 by S. B. McKagan, K. K. Perkins, M. Dubson +4 · 2 citations
Physics and Astronomy · Psychology · Social Sciences · #Experimental and Theoretical Physics Studies #Focus (optics) #Intuition #Key (lock) #Physics education #Quantum #Science Education and Pedagogy #Science education #Visual and Cognitive Learning Processes #physics.ed-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.1119/1.2885199
published as American Journal of Physics 76, 406-417 (2008) · accepted by American Journal of Physics; v2 includes an additional study, more explanation of research behind claims, clearer wording, and more references
arxiv created 2008/03/01 · openalex publication_date 2008/03/13 · arxiv updated 2009/12/01 · openalex created_date 2016/06/24 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05
Quantum mechanics is counterintuitive, difficult to visualize, mathematically challenging, and abstract. The Physics Education Technology (PhET) Project now includes 18 simulations on quantum mechanics designed to improve the learning of this subject. These simulations include several key features to help students build mental models and intuition about quantum mechanics: visual representations of abstract concepts and microscopic processes that cannot be directly observed, interactive environments that directly couple students’ actions to animations, connections to everyday life, and efficient calculations so that students can focus on the concepts rather than the mathematics. Like all PhET simulations, these are developed using the results of research and feedback from educators, and are tested in student interviews and classroom studies. This article provides an overview of the PhET quantum simulations and their development. We also describe research demonstrating their effectiveness and discuss some insights about student thinking.