About Peebedu
All of the activities, simulations, and models on Peebedu.com have been designed according to research-backed practices and 21st-century science pedagogy. These interactive simulations and virtual labs provide learning experiences that are both engaging and effective.
Through the use of interactive models and simulations, accompanied by standards-aligned classroom activities, students can be empowered to build deeper understanding of complex scientific concepts.
Core Principles
Engagement First
We believe learning should be exciting. Peebedu interactives are designed to capture curiosity and maintain engagement through gamification and visual storytelling.
Evidence-Based
Every interactive is grounded in pedagogical research. Peebedu combines cognitive science with modern technology to create experiences that optimize learning outcomes.
Accessible to All
Education should have no barriers. This platform is designed to be inclusive, with features that support diverse learning styles and abilities, and are compatible with most devices and web browsers.
Interactive Learning
When students go beyond rote memorization and begin interact with concepts, they move from being passive learners to active participants in their own learning process. This approach cultivates critical thinking, encourages the development of scientific reasoning skills, and leads to deeper, long term understanding.
"It was concluded that the interactive teaching method significantly improves student science learning."
— Science Learning Through Interactive Teaching Method: An Experimental Study
"Results show that interactive learning activities created more active student engagement, resulted in improvement in students' exam and overall course scores, and improved the instructor's teaching performance."
— Assessing the Effects of Using Interactive Learning Activities in a Large Science Class
Models and Simulations in Science Education
Models and simulations are fundamental tools in modern science and essential components of modern science education. They provide a bridge between abstract scientific principles and the concrete, observable world. By using models, students can visualize complex processes, explore "what-if" scenarios, and develop mental framework for understanding scientific phenomena.
"When students are engaged in scientific modeling, they are able to notice patterns and develop and revise representations that become useful models to predict and explain—making their own scientific knowledge stronger, helping them to think critically, and helping them know more about the nature of science."
— The Benefits of Scientific Modeling
Our simulations are designed to be investigative tools that allow students to explore scientific concepts effectively. They are not just animations; they are dynamic systems that respond to user input, encouraging inquiry and discovery.
"Models are useful tools in learning science which can be used to improve explanations, generate discussion, make predictions, provide visual representations of abstract concepts and generate mental models."
— Why Models are Advantageous to Learning Science
"Model-based instruction (MBI) that engages students in using, building, revising, and evaluating models can promote multiple dimensions of science learning, including both development of content understanding and skills."
— Modeling in the Classroom: Making Relationships and Systems Visible
Evaluating Models
A crucial aspect of scientific literacy is not just using models, but also understanding their strengths and limitations. Students are encouraged to critically evaluate the models they use on Peebedu.com. This process helps develop critical thinking skills and a more nuanced understanding of how science works. To facilitate this, we have developed a model evaluation framework based on the MAPP criteria and model evaluation forms are available for download on reach respective interactive description pages.
For each interactive simulation, you will find a downloadable "Model Evaluation" form in the downloads section. Students and educators are encouraged to use this form to discuss the model's effectiveness, its scope, and its limitations.
2.A Describe characteristics of visual representations of biological concepts and processes.
— AP Biology Course and Exam Description
2.B Explain relationships between characteristics of biological models in both theoretical and applied contexts.
2.C Explain how biological models relate to larger principles, concepts, processes, systems, or theories.
2.D Represent relationships within biological models, including mathematical models, diagrams, flowcharts, and systems.
References
El-Hmoud, B., & Al-Adwan, A. (2021). Science Learning Through Interactive Teaching Method: An Experimental Study. International Journal of Information and Education Technology, 11(3), 127-132.
O'Loughlin, V. D., & Griffith, L. M. (2020). Assessing the Effects of Using Interactive Learning Activities in a Large Science Class. Journal of Effective Teaching in Higher Education. Retrieved from https://celt.miamioh.edu/index.php/JECT/article/view/797
St. John, K. (2018). The Benefits of Scientific Modeling. National Science Teaching Association. Retrieved from https://www.nsta.org/resources/benefits-scientific-modeling
Hassane, I. A., & Larabi, A. (2022). The Effectiveness of Using Interactive Simulations in the Teaching and Learning of Science. Journal of Educational and Social Research, 12(1), 265-275. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1331043.pdf
Chittleborough, G., & Treagust, D. F. (2009). Why Models are Advantageous to Learning Science. Educación química, 20(1), 13-19. Retrieved from https://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0187-893X2009000100001
Wilson, K. J., Long, T. M., Momsen, J. L., & Bray Speth, E. (2020). Modeling in the Classroom: Making Relationships and Systems Visible. CBE Life Sciences Education, 19(1), fe1.
College Board. (2023). AP Biology Course and Exam Description. College Board.