Phet Interactive Simulations

Problem Identification What serious problem or challenge with broad significance does your use of technology address? Explain your context and the existing conditions that you are trying to improve or rectify. The PhET Interactive Simulations project is addressing a grand challenge that is facing of nations across the world: educating the next generation of scientists, mathematicians and engineers, as well as increasing worldwide science literacy by informing and educating the broader public about science, math, and engineering issues. In the US, too many students are failing to learn science. National studies show 46% of 12th graders scoring below the basic level in science with lower results for minority and low socioeconomic-status students (Grigg, Lauko, & Brockway, 2006). In addition, our colleges are neither graduating the number nor producing the quality of science majors needed to fill industries demand or adequately drive innovation. Responding to these data, multiple US reports (e.g. Rising Above the Gathering Storm, 2007) have called to increase the number of students pursuing degrees in technical fields and to graduate students who are better prepared to enter the technical workforce and lead the world in technical innovation. They note that improving and investing in math, science, and engineering education is critical to the economic well-being of the US; modern industry needs employees with the problem-solving skills to develop creative solutions to new problems and the flexibility to move effectively into new areas of technological interest. In addition, the Labor Department has shown that of the 20 fastest growing occupations projected for 2014, 15 of them require significant mathematics or science preparation to successfully compete for a job (These same arguments apply beyond the US to much of the world's population. It is well known that education plays a vital role in the development of nations. But, critical to a nation's sustainable development in our increasingly knowledge-based world is science education. UNESCO believes that science education is key for every person to lead a meaningful life, one that successfully combats poverty and pandemic and emerging diseases. A scientifically literate nation will have sustainable development in cooperation with social and environmental responsibilities. People empowered with science knowledge will be able to get higher-paying skilled jobs. And, people empowered with science knowledge will be able to make better decisions in their own lives concerning their own health and well-being. Indeed, recent studies recognize that students in developing countries themselves see investment …