Electric circuits
Predict whether a bulb will light before changing a connection. Compare a complete circuit with an incomplete one, then discuss series and parallel arrangements alongside a circuit drawing.
Circuit simulation āChoose an investigation
Density towers
Predict the order of liquids and objects before observing their positions. Ask students to compare equal volumes so that greater mass is not confused with greater density.
Density tower simulation āAcidābase titration
Record the added amount alongside changes in the indicator. Near the endpoint, compare smaller additions and discuss why a modelās idealised behaviour can differ from measurements.
Titration simulation āStatic electricity
Compare before and after rubbing, then change the separation of objects. Use the model to discuss charge and direction of interaction while keeping the modelās limits explicit.
Static electricity simulation āDNA structure
Use the building activity to investigate matching base pairs and a repeating structure. Ask what each represented part corresponds to instead of memorising the display colours.
DNA building activity āTurn an on-screen activity into an investigation
- Choose one condition to change and name the conditions you will keep the same.
- Write or draw a prediction before running the model.
- Repeat a case or create a comparison and record what you observe.
- Discuss differences between the model and a real experiment.
- If the result disagrees with the prediction, revise the explanation and propose a new comparison.
Before you use the tools
Which activity should I try first?
Choose a concept already being discussed in class. A circuit prediction or density comparison gives students a clear question; more advanced titration work needs suitable prior knowledge.
Are these laboratory measurements?
No. They are educational models. Discuss assumptions and limitations instead of presenting a screen result as measured data from a real experiment.