由美國科羅拉多大學波爾德分校（University of Colorado Boulder）創立的PhET 互動模擬平台，是全球知名的免費教育資源網站，致力於讓科學與數學的學習變得更直觀、有趣且易於理解。這個非營利性質的教育項目最早由諾貝爾物理學獎得主卡爾·維曼（Carl Wieman）於2002年發起，目的在於利用電腦模擬與互動教學的力量，幫助學生透過「動手操作」和「自主探索」的方式掌握抽象的科學與數學概念。

PhET 的名稱源自 “Physics Education Technology” 的縮寫，但隨著內容逐漸豐富，如今它早已不僅限於物理領域，而是涵蓋數學、化學、生物學、地球科學與環境科學 等多個學科。網站目前提供超過170個免費的互動模擬教材，所有資源均基於教育研究設計，並透過可視化的實驗模擬，讓學生能夠在虛擬環境中觀察、操作與推理。例如，學生可以在模擬中調整變量觀察電場線的變化、實驗不同化學反應的條件、或模擬行星運動以理解萬有引力定律。

PhET平台的一大特色是強調「寓教於樂」的學習體驗。每個模擬程式都以遊戲化的互動介面呈現，操作直覺、反饋即時，讓學生在探索中自然建構知識，而非僅依賴課本或公式死記。這種教學理念特別受到全球教育界的推崇，許多教師將 PhET 作為課堂輔助教具，用於課堂展示、翻轉教學或線上學習平台整合。

值得注意的是，PhET具備 多語言支援 功能，已被翻譯成超過百種語言，包括簡體中文與繁體中文版本，確保不同國家與地區的學生都能輕鬆使用。目前，PhET 的模擬程式已被全球教育機構與學習者使用超過18億次，其影響力遍及世界各地的中小學、大學與自學者。

此外，PhET的團隊不斷根據使用者回饋與最新教育研究進行更新，逐步將模擬程式從Flash技術轉換為 HTML5 平台，以支援行動裝置與各類瀏覽器，使學習不受設備限制。網站還提供教師專區，包含教案、使用指導與課程設計範例，方便教育工作者靈活應用。

總體而言，PhET不僅是一個免費的學習工具，更是一場教育革新。以科學嚴謹與趣味體驗結合的方式，顛覆傳統科學教學的枯燥印象，讓抽象的理論變得可視、可操作、可理解。從物理到化學、從中學課堂到大學研究，PhET以開放、共享的精神推動全球 STEM教育的普及，成為現代數位教育不可或缺的重要資源。

PhET Interactive Simulations, founded by the University of Colorado Boulder, is a world-renowned free online education platform designed to make the learning of science and mathematics more intuitive, engaging, and accessible. The project was initiated in 2002 by Nobel Prize–winning physicist Carl Wieman, who aimed to use computer-based simulations and interactive learning tools to help students grasp complex scientific and mathematical concepts through hands-on exploration and experimentation.

Originally named after “Physics Education Technology,” PhET has since expanded far beyond physics and now includes simulations in mathematics, chemistry, biology, earth science, and environmental science. The platform currently offers over 170 free interactive, research-based simulations, allowing students to visualize and manipulate variables in real time. For example, learners can explore electric fields, test different chemical reactions, or simulate planetary motion to better understand the laws of gravity.

A defining feature of PhET is its focus on learning through play. Each simulation uses a game-like, highly interactive interface that encourages curiosity and experimentation. Rather than memorizing formulas or reading static diagrams, students can directly observe the consequences of their actions, building conceptual understanding through discovery and feedback. This approach has been widely praised in the global education community, and many teachers incorporate PhET into classroom demonstrations, flipped learning models, and online courses.

PhET is also notable for its strong commitment to global accessibility. Its simulations are available in over 100 languages, including both Simplified and Traditional Chinese, making it one of the most inclusive digital learning tools available. As of today, PhET simulations have been used more than 1.8 billion times worldwide, benefiting schools, universities, and independent learners across the globe.

In recent years, the PhET team has continued improving the platform, migrating older Flash-based simulations to HTML5 to ensure compatibility with mobile devices and modern web browsers. The website also features a dedicated teacher resources section, which includes lesson plans, classroom guides, and curriculum integration examples to help educators effectively use the simulations in teaching.

Overall, PhET represents much more than just a collection of free digital experiments—it’s a transformative step in STEM education innovation. By combining scientific rigor with engaging interactivity, PhET breaks away from traditional rote learning methods, making abstract theories tangible, visual, and understandable. From middle school classrooms to university labs, PhET continues to empower educators and learners alike, promoting an open, research-driven, and exploratory approach to science education worldwide.