Keeping Simulations Simple with Javalab

The use of online simulations to augment classroom instruction is a common occurrence for many students. Veteran educators may remember students passively watching chemistry animations from a VHS tape, laserdisc or compact disc on a classroom TV. In 2002, Nobel Laureate Carl Wieman at the University of Colorado Boulder created the project Physics Education Technology, more commonly known as PhET. While PhET originally focused on physics simulations, the project expanded to include additional fields like chemistry, biology, earth science and mathematics. Twenty years later, the use of online simulations to model and interact with chemistry concepts has become an integral part of students’ learning experiences.   

As a technology advocate I have used many different online simulations in both paid and free versions with my students. My earliest memory was using the website eduweblabs to have students interact with redox and nuclear chemistry concepts that would not be possible in my chemistry lab. Since that time, I have integrated a variety of free and subscription-based simulations. These include PhET, PBS learning media and those found on the AACT website.

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A few years ago, I was introduced to the website JavaLab. This is a free interactive science simulation repository created by DongJoon Lee from South Korea. The site includes simulations for physics, chemistry, earth science, astronomy, biology, measurement, mathematics and technology. The site is web based and works across platforms and devices. More importantly, the site is free and does not require a login to access the simulations.

What I love the most about JavaLab is the simplicity of the simulations. Student interactions involve primarily drag and drop or clicking on buttons. Others allow students to collect data and download their results as CSV files. The openness of each simulation allows the educator to use them to suit the purpose and ability of their students.

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Figure 1: Javalab – Rutherford Scattering simulator, https://javalab.org/en/rutherford_scattering_en/

An example of one that I plan to use at the beginning of the school year is the Rutherford Scattering simulation (see figure 1). When opened, the simulation shows the setup for the gold foil experiment on the right-hand side and a model of how alpha particles travel through the gold foil on the left-hand side. Students can drag the divider between the two sides to show the entirety of the gold foil set up or the particle diagram representing the gold foil and the bombarding alpha particles. Additional information about the simulation is provided if students scroll past the simulation to give additional details. I can embed a link to the simulation in my learning management system and have students make observations, ask questions and provide their reasoning of what they believe is occurring as the alpha particles pass through the gold foil.

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Figure 2: JavaLab - Fireworks simulator, https://javalab.org/en/fireworks_en/

Another student fan favorite is the fireworks simulation (see figure 2). This simulation is especially useful when addressing performance expectation HS-PS1-1 which requires students to use the periodic table as a model to predict the relative properties of elements based on the patterns of electrons in the outermost energy level of atoms. As fireworks is the anchoring phenomenon I have chosen for this performance expectation, students are able to interact with this simulation to identify patterns associated with different metals and resulting colors. Students are able to launch fireworks composed of different compounds, recognizing that the metals in each compound are responsible for the color and not the associated anion. Additional Javalab simulations, specifically flame test, absorption and emission of light and the spectrum of the hydrogen atom are used to build upon students’ initial observations and build understanding over time.

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Figure 3: JavaLab - Particle Simulation of Thermal Conduction, https://javalab.org/en/conduction_2_en/

I use three Javalab simulations with my students that align with performance expectation HS-PS3-1. This performance expectation states that by the end of the storyline students create a computational model to calculate the change in the energy of one component in a system when the change in energy of the other component(s) and energy flows in and out of the system are known. Students start out by interacting with the particle simulation of thermal conduction (see figure 3) to show the transfer of energy from one object to another. 

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Figure 4: JavaLab Heat Capacity Simulator, https://javalab.org/en/heat_capacity_en/

The simulation heat capacity (see figure 4) provides a visual of how energy moves through substances, one with a small heat capacity versus another with a large heat capacity. 

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Figure 5: JavaLab - Status Change of Water Simulator, https://javalab.org/en/status_change_of_water_en/

Later students take this understanding and apply it to the status change in water (see figure 5) simulation incorporating the concepts of melting point, boiling point and phase change as well. Each of these simulations involve particle diagrams to help students visualize thermal energy movement.

The possibilities of using Javalab in the classroom are endless. Whether as a task to have students ask questions, determine patterns, work with models or analyze data the open ended format of these simulations allow teachers to be creative in their use. How would you use Javalab to support your students? Which simulations from this website do you use most often? What activities have you created that use these simulations? Consider sharing your best practices with ChemEd X!

Javalab, https://javalab.org/en/ 

Javalab – Rutherford Scattering simulator, https://javalab.org/en/rutherford_scattering_en/ (accessed 8/12/2023)

JavaLab - Fireworks simulator, https://javalab.org/en/fireworks_en/ (accessed 8/12/2023)

JavaLab - Particle Simulation of Thermal Conduction, https://javalab.org/en/conduction_2_en/ (accessed 8/12/2023)

JavaLab Heat Capacity Simulator, https://javalab.org/en/heat_capacity_en/ (accessed 8/12/2023)

JavaLab - Status Change of Water Simulator, https://javalab.org/en/status_change_of_water_en/ (accessed 8/12/2023)