The CPU Simulation Software is a set of physics Java applets designed to complement and extend hands-on laboratory activities in physical science in a wide variety of contexts. The simulators provide students with both phenomenological and conceptual (model-based) evidence to help them develop robust and valid ideas in physical science. For example, students can use the simulators to represent their predictions regarding the outcomes of experiments (either hands-on or virtual). Then they can test their predictions by running simulations.

Every simulator comes with an easy-to-use Help feature that documents the full capabilities of the simulator. See the example Help Menu for the Dipole Playground simulator.

The CPU Simulation Software runs under both Windows and Macintosh operating systems. See the System Requirements for more details.

Below is a list of all of the software programs included with the CPU Simulation Software. To view brief descriptions of the programs, click on the program names. You can also visit our online site for CPU simulators, which also includes detailed tutorials for most of the simulators. You can also download and install  the simulators on your computer (read the Read Me document first)