Digital Models
Begin
Welcome
Introduction Video
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module you will be able to:
- Recall the benefits to using digital models and key considerations in choosing them.
- Explain how different digital models can be integrated into classroom teaching to support the delivery of new content.
- Use digital models in designing and delivering a lesson, demonstrating appropriate alignment with learning outcomes.
Introduction
Digital models are computer-based representations of scientific concepts or processes. They are interactive and adaptable, and many are free to use. Hover over the icons to learn about more benefits of using digital models.
Implementation
There are many ways of integrating digital models and simulations into your lessons. Click the tabs below to find out more.
Starter
Explain
Practice
Scaffold
Assess
Knowledge Check
Considerations
Although digital models can be an effective tool to use in the classroom, there are some important factors that must be considered before they are implemented. Click on the icons to learn more.
Examples
Click the subject tabs below to learn about examples of digital models you can use in each science subject.
Chemistry
Physics
Biology
Knowledge Check
Case Studies
Every class you teach is different, and will require a different approach to using digital models and simulations. Click on the profiles to find out more about how science teachers Angela and Marcus integrated digital models into their lessons.
Angela
Marcus
Summary
- Digital models make abstract, microscopic, or complex processes more accessible and engaging for students.
- They can be used at different stages of a lesson: as starters, during explanations, to support practicals, for differentiation, and for assessment.
- Teachers must consider factors such as curriculum relevance, accessibility, interactivity, technical feasibility, and potential misconceptions when selecting digital models.
Assessment
- To complete this module you will need to submit Reflection Report 2.
- Choose two upcoming science lessons and integrate a digital model into each.
- Adapt your lesson plans to show where and how the digital model is used, and deliver the lessons to your class.
- After teaching, write a short reflection (200–300 words per lesson) evaluating the impact of the digital model on student engagement, understanding, and any challenges you faced.
- Upload this to the course website.
Rubric
Examplar
Well Done! You have completed the module.
Home
During Explanations (Clarify Abstract Concepts) Swap or supplement a static diagram in the lesson with a digital model to make processes more dynamic. Example: Instead of just drawing the carbon cycle, use an interactive cycle model that shows how carbon moves between stores.
Angela
Angela booked a computer room and students accessed the LabXChange's 'DNA to Protein' simulation, which lets students visualise transcription and translation in action. To encourage independence and active learning she created a guided worksheet which asked students questions after each stage of protein synthesis. This allowed students to control the pace at which they learnt, which was especially important for students with SEND, as well as making a difficult concept easier to visualise.
Click here for the 'DNA to Protein' simulation
When clicked, the learner will be redirected to the course website.
As a Starter (Activate Prior Knowledge) Use a short digital animation or interactive model at the beginning of the lesson to spark curiosity and assess prior knowledge. Example: Show a particle simulation of diffusion before introducing the definition and key terms.
Scaffold (Supporting Mixed-Ability Classes) Provide digital models as an extra scaffold for students who need more support, or as an extension for those who grasp concepts quickly. Example: Use an interactive circuit builder for learners who struggle with wiring real components, while others continue with hands-on kits.
For Assessment & Reflection (Check Understanding) Incorporate simulations into plenaries or homework tasks so students can apply knowledge and test ideas. Example: Use a population genetics model where students adjust variables and then explain their outcomes in writing.
An exemplar for the assessment would be shown here and a link would be provided to download it.
Marcus
Marcus introduced a particle simulation that showed solids, liquids, and gases at the molecular level to his Year 7 class. In pairs using a laptop students could add heat to see particles vibrate faster, move apart, and eventually change state. The model allowed them to compare the arrangement and energy of particles in each state, reinforcing ideas about kinetic theory.
Click here for the 'State Changes' simulation
Biology Digital Models
Genetics & Protein Synthesis Learn Genetics (University of Utah) – DNA replication, transcription, translation PDB-101 (Protein Data Bank) – explore 3D protein and enzyme structures Enzymes & Biochemistry Molecular Workbench enzyme simulations – model temperature, pH, inhibitors
Cells & Microscopy Virtual Microscope – practise slide prep, focusing, and magnification BioDigital Human – explore 3D structures of cells and organ systems Ecology & Evolution PhET Natural Selection – variation, adaptation, survival Hardy–Weinberg population models – genetic drift, mutation, selection
In Practical Work (Preparation or Extension) Use digital labs to either prepare students for hands-on required practicals or provide an alternative where resources are limited. Example: Before doing the GCSE enzyme practical, let students run a digital simulation where they adjust temperature and pH to see effects.
Chemistry Digital Models
Atomic Structure & Bonding PhET Build an Atom – construct atoms, isotopes Avogadro / MolView – visualise molecular geometry and bonding (VSEPR) Reactions & Stoichiometry PhET Balancing Chemical Equations – conservation of mass practice ChemCollective Virtual Labs – safe replication of titration, rates experiments
Rates, Equilibria & Energetics PhET Reactions & Rates – collision theory, catalysts PhET Equilibrium – Le Chatelier’s principle Virtual calorimetry labs – enthalpy and energy transfer Organic & Analytical Chemistry Avogadro / ChemSketch – 3D organic molecules and isomers IR & NMR simulators – practise interpreting spectra
Physics Digital Models
Forces & Motion PhET Forces & Motion – Newton’s laws, balanced/unbalanced forces Electricity & Circuits PhET Circuit Construction Kit – build/test virtual circuits Waves & Light PhET Wave on a String – frequency, amplitude, damping Ripple Tank Simulation – interference, diffraction PhET Geometric Optics – ray diagrams, lenses, mirrors
Energy & Thermodynamics PhET Energy Skate Park – conservation of energy PhET Gas Properties – kinetic theory of gases Magnetism, EM & Nuclear Physics (GCSE/A-level) PhET Faraday’s Lab – electromagnetic induction Space & Astrophysics PhET Gravity & Orbits – planetary motion, satellites Stellarium – realistic planetarium for night sky exploration
The rubric for the assessment would be shown here and a link would be provided to download it.
Digital Models
Lucia Bizos
Created on September 22, 2025
Digital Models Prototype, Lucia Bizos Professional Diploma in Digital Learning
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Transcript
Digital Models
Begin
Welcome
Introduction Video
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module you will be able to:
Introduction
Digital models are computer-based representations of scientific concepts or processes. They are interactive and adaptable, and many are free to use. Hover over the icons to learn about more benefits of using digital models.
Implementation
There are many ways of integrating digital models and simulations into your lessons. Click the tabs below to find out more.
Starter
Explain
Practice
Scaffold
Assess
Knowledge Check
Considerations
Although digital models can be an effective tool to use in the classroom, there are some important factors that must be considered before they are implemented. Click on the icons to learn more.
Examples
Click the subject tabs below to learn about examples of digital models you can use in each science subject.
Chemistry
Physics
Biology
Knowledge Check
Case Studies
Every class you teach is different, and will require a different approach to using digital models and simulations. Click on the profiles to find out more about how science teachers Angela and Marcus integrated digital models into their lessons.
Angela
Marcus
Summary
Assessment
Rubric
Examplar
Well Done! You have completed the module.
Home
During Explanations (Clarify Abstract Concepts) Swap or supplement a static diagram in the lesson with a digital model to make processes more dynamic. Example: Instead of just drawing the carbon cycle, use an interactive cycle model that shows how carbon moves between stores.
Angela
Angela booked a computer room and students accessed the LabXChange's 'DNA to Protein' simulation, which lets students visualise transcription and translation in action. To encourage independence and active learning she created a guided worksheet which asked students questions after each stage of protein synthesis. This allowed students to control the pace at which they learnt, which was especially important for students with SEND, as well as making a difficult concept easier to visualise.
Click here for the 'DNA to Protein' simulation
When clicked, the learner will be redirected to the course website.
As a Starter (Activate Prior Knowledge) Use a short digital animation or interactive model at the beginning of the lesson to spark curiosity and assess prior knowledge. Example: Show a particle simulation of diffusion before introducing the definition and key terms.
Scaffold (Supporting Mixed-Ability Classes) Provide digital models as an extra scaffold for students who need more support, or as an extension for those who grasp concepts quickly. Example: Use an interactive circuit builder for learners who struggle with wiring real components, while others continue with hands-on kits.
For Assessment & Reflection (Check Understanding) Incorporate simulations into plenaries or homework tasks so students can apply knowledge and test ideas. Example: Use a population genetics model where students adjust variables and then explain their outcomes in writing.
An exemplar for the assessment would be shown here and a link would be provided to download it.
Marcus
Marcus introduced a particle simulation that showed solids, liquids, and gases at the molecular level to his Year 7 class. In pairs using a laptop students could add heat to see particles vibrate faster, move apart, and eventually change state. The model allowed them to compare the arrangement and energy of particles in each state, reinforcing ideas about kinetic theory.
Click here for the 'State Changes' simulation
Biology Digital Models
Genetics & Protein Synthesis Learn Genetics (University of Utah) – DNA replication, transcription, translation PDB-101 (Protein Data Bank) – explore 3D protein and enzyme structures Enzymes & Biochemistry Molecular Workbench enzyme simulations – model temperature, pH, inhibitors
Cells & Microscopy Virtual Microscope – practise slide prep, focusing, and magnification BioDigital Human – explore 3D structures of cells and organ systems Ecology & Evolution PhET Natural Selection – variation, adaptation, survival Hardy–Weinberg population models – genetic drift, mutation, selection
In Practical Work (Preparation or Extension) Use digital labs to either prepare students for hands-on required practicals or provide an alternative where resources are limited. Example: Before doing the GCSE enzyme practical, let students run a digital simulation where they adjust temperature and pH to see effects.
Chemistry Digital Models
Atomic Structure & Bonding PhET Build an Atom – construct atoms, isotopes Avogadro / MolView – visualise molecular geometry and bonding (VSEPR) Reactions & Stoichiometry PhET Balancing Chemical Equations – conservation of mass practice ChemCollective Virtual Labs – safe replication of titration, rates experiments
Rates, Equilibria & Energetics PhET Reactions & Rates – collision theory, catalysts PhET Equilibrium – Le Chatelier’s principle Virtual calorimetry labs – enthalpy and energy transfer Organic & Analytical Chemistry Avogadro / ChemSketch – 3D organic molecules and isomers IR & NMR simulators – practise interpreting spectra
Physics Digital Models
Forces & Motion PhET Forces & Motion – Newton’s laws, balanced/unbalanced forces Electricity & Circuits PhET Circuit Construction Kit – build/test virtual circuits Waves & Light PhET Wave on a String – frequency, amplitude, damping Ripple Tank Simulation – interference, diffraction PhET Geometric Optics – ray diagrams, lenses, mirrors
Energy & Thermodynamics PhET Energy Skate Park – conservation of energy PhET Gas Properties – kinetic theory of gases Magnetism, EM & Nuclear Physics (GCSE/A-level) PhET Faraday’s Lab – electromagnetic induction Space & Astrophysics PhET Gravity & Orbits – planetary motion, satellites Stellarium – realistic planetarium for night sky exploration
The rubric for the assessment would be shown here and a link would be provided to download it.