STEM EDUCATION THROUGH PHET MODELING: A CASE OF TEACHING ATOMIC PHYSICS

The subject of physics, particularly the section on atomic physics, is a complex and significant field in explaining scientific foundations and intricate processes. To simplify such complexity and enhance students' understanding, the use of PhET interactive simulations is one of the effective solutions. This article explores the teaching of atomic physics topics within the STEM framework and the potential of PhET modeling. The central idea of this study is to determine the effectiveness of teaching atomic physics through the use of PhET modeling within the STEM education approach. This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of using PhET simulations in teaching atomic physics through the STEM method. The study was conducted within the framework of pedagogical practice, during which simulations such as Rutherford Scattering, Hydrogen Atom, Blackbody Spectrum, and Fourier were used in the learning process. During the research, it was revealed that PhET models allow learners to be not just passive listeners, but active participants in the learning process.