Empowering Underfunded Schools with Free Computer Science Tools: How PHET and CK-12 are Changing the Game

Shoshana Leffler
4 min readJan 9, 2025

--

Empowering Underfunded Schools with Free Computer Science Tools: How PHET and CK-12 are Changing the Game

In the world of education, technology can be a powerful equalizer. Yet, many schools, particularly those in underfunded districts, face significant challenges in accessing cutting-edge tools and platforms that can truly transform learning. Computer science education often bears the brunt of these limitations due to inadequate funding for specialized software, hardware, and teacher training. However, free, high-quality educational tools such as PHET Interactive Simulations and CK-12 are making strides in breaking down these barriers, opening new doors for educators and students alike.

PHET Interactive Simulations: Bringing Science and Computer Science to Life

PHET, developed by the University of Colorado Boulder, offers interactive simulations across a variety of subjects, including computer science, physics, chemistry, and math. These tools provide dynamic ways for students to explore scientific concepts and conduct virtual experiments, making even the most complex topics accessible and engaging. For underfunded schools, PHET is nothing short of transformative. Its resources are entirely free and don’t require expensive software, ensuring that every student can benefit from high-quality educational content.

As an educator deeply committed to enhancing STEM education, I, Shoshana Leffler, have utilized PHET simulations extensively in my classroom to make learning engaging and interactive. One example is PHET’s “Computing and Algorithms” simulation, which I adapted to help students explore foundational concepts in programming and algorithm design. By integrating this tool into lesson plans, I created hands-on activities that simplified challenging topics, enabling students to design and test their own algorithms. The simulation’s visual and interactive nature allowed students to develop a deeper understanding of computer science while sparking their curiosity about its real-world applications. From creating simple algorithms to exploring the principles of logic gates, these lessons proved invaluable in making computer science approachable for all students, regardless of their school’s budget.

CK-12: Customizable STEM Learning for All

CK-12, a nonprofit organization, provides free and customizable educational content across a wide range of subjects, including computer science, math, and engineering. With interactive lessons, simulations, and textbooks, CK-12 caters to students of all ages and skill levels.

One of the highlights of my classroom has been incorporating CK-12 simulations into lessons to connect theoretical concepts with real-world phenomena. For example, CK-12’s Bohr Model of Electrons simulation vividly illustrates how electrons move between energy levels to produce light. I built a lesson around this simulation, encouraging students to explore the science behind neon lights and relate it to everyday observations. During the COVID lockdown, I developed another creative lesson inspired by CK-12’s interactive content. We explored how soap cleans clothes, a topic particularly relevant at the time, and my students even created a video to illustrate the chemistry of soap in a fun and engaging way.

Using Resources as a Starting Point for Creativity

While tools like PHET and CK-12 provide incredible resources, they also serve as a starting point for educators to unleash their creativity. These platforms offer foundational content that can be expanded and adapted into unique, engaging lesson plans tailored to students’ interests and real-world connections. For instance, the lesson on soap and its cleaning properties extended beyond CK-12’s offerings, showcasing how educators can build upon these tools to create innovative and memorable learning experiences.

Creating lessons using these resources not only boosts student engagement but also encourages educators to explore innovative teaching approaches. Whether it’s customizing a simulation to investigate a local issue or designing a project that ties STEM concepts to everyday experiences, the opportunities are limitless. Having spent countless hours crafting such lesson plans myself, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of blending these tools with creative enhancements. For those hesitant to move beyond pre-made content, I urge you to take that step — your efforts can ignite curiosity and inspire a genuine passion for learning in your students.

Reducing the Digital Divide

Tools like PHET and CK-12 do more than provide free content; they level the playing field for students who might otherwise be excluded from opportunities in STEM and computer science. By offering engaging, interactive, and accessible resources, these platforms enable underfunded schools to better prepare their students for future careers in technology and innovation.

From my experience, implementing these tools does require effort and creativity. Designing lessons around simulations, ensuring they align with curriculum goals, and making them engaging can seem daunting to educators. But having spent years “laboring” over such lesson plans, I’ve seen firsthand the rewards of this investment. These tools not only bridge the digital divide but also foster inclusion by offering all students the chance to interact with the same high-quality content, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

Empowering Educators and Inspiring Students

For schools facing financial constraints, PHET and CK-12 provide a lifeline to bring computer science and STEM education into the classroom. By leveraging these free, interactive, and customizable tools, educators like me can inspire students to explore the world of technology. It’s about more than just providing resources — it’s about unlocking opportunities for the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders in computer science.

To learn more about these tools, visit their websites:

--

--

Shoshana Leffler
Shoshana Leffler

Written by Shoshana Leffler

0 Followers

Shoshana Leffler from the Bronx, New York is an educator passionate about blending art with STEM to enhance student creativity and understanding.

No responses yet