Newsela STEM subscribers currently have an early access preview to PhET Simulations, an interactive tool for teachers to promote active scientific inquiry in the classroom. In addition to PhET Simulations, we partnered with NSTA to create tailored instructional materials for each of the simulations.
PhET Simulations provide teachers with ready-to-use interactive experiences that connect complex STEM concepts to real-world applications.
Our collection of 100+ PhET simulations complement leveled texts, Generation Genius videos, and instructional guidance to form a comprehensive, multi-modal toolkit.
As students engage with these digital manipulatives, watch as their critical thinking and curiosity grows.
5 PhET Simulations are now available for early access within Newsela STEM, with more to become available in upcoming months - as well as the additional NSTA instructional materials.
Browse PhET Simulations Collection
Click on STEM at the top of the page
Scroll down to the PhET Simulations row and click "view more", or click on the corresponding filter on the left-side of the screen
Search PhET Simulation by Topic
Enter a keyword related to your lesson's topic into the Search bar
Click on the "Interactives" filter at the top of the page
Interactive resources options will be displayed, including PhET simulations
PhET Simulations in Newsela
There is no need to manage multiple platforms, everything is embedded within Newsela! Simply click into the resource of your choice:
The simulation will be embedded on the Newsela page
You can find the maturity level, aligned standards and action buttons below the simulation
In the right-side Activities panel you can find additional lesson materials, such as Teacher Tips and Discussion questions.
If the simulation has an accompanying NSTA lesson it will be attached in the Activities panel as well
Note: NSTA lessons will be added to PhET Simulations on a rolling basis across SY 26-27. If one has yet to be attached, you'll see a message indicating resources from NSTA are coming soon.
Assign a PhET Simulation
To assign a PhET Simulation to your class:
Click on the Assign button at the top right corner of the page
Edit the assignment's title to your preference
Add instructions for students
Select the class(es) or small groups to assign the simulations to
Schedule the assignment
Click "Create Assignment" when ready (alternatively, you can select "Save draft" to continue editing it later)
The assignment will now appear on your students' assignments list, where they could access it if they are logged directly into Newsela. You can also copy the direct link to the assignment and provide it to your students via Email or 3rd party learning platform
The assignment can be edited at any time.
The Student Experience
When students access the assignment, they will be presented with the simulation window, and can immediately click in and begin interacting with the manipulatives.
