STEPP

Spec sheet

Purpose

STEPP is a learning environment for introductory physics students to learn physics concepts, modeling, and computational thinking together.Read 11 Oct 2026 · stepp.utdallas.edu

Free plan

YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · stepp.utdallas.edu

Support

The site lists [email protected] and [email protected] for questions or suggestions.Read 11 Oct 2026 · stepp.utdallas.edu

3D visuals

YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · stepp.utdallas.edu

Authoring tools

YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · stepp.utdallas.edu

Availability

STEPP Modules are a web app designed to run in a browser on a laptop or desktop computer.Read 11 Oct 2026 · stepp.utdallas.edu

Delivery mode

webRead 20 Sep 2026 · stepp.utdallas.edu

Funding

The project is supported by a grant from the NSF STEM + Computing program.Read 11 Oct 2026 · stepp.utdallas.edu

How it works

Students and teachers build physics simulations from problems in their curriculum using a modeling tool based on finite-state machines and state diagrams.Read 11 Oct 2026 · stepp.utdallas.edu

Lesson library

YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · stepp.utdallas.edu

Modeling

Students and teachers build physics simulations from problems in their curriculum using a modeling tool based on finite-state machines and state diagrams.Read 11 Oct 2026 · stepp.utdallas.edu

Modules

The site describes three modules covering 1D kinematics, 2D kinematics, and Newton’s laws of motion.Read 11 Oct 2026 · stepp.utdallas.edu

Platform

STEPP modules are web apps that run in a browser on a laptop or desktop computer.Read 11 Oct 2026 · stepp.utdallas.edu

Representations

The modules are described as multi-representational.Read 11 Oct 2026 · stepp.utdallas.edu

Research basis

The modules are described as grounded in research on teaching and learning of physics.Read 11 Oct 2026 · stepp.utdallas.edu

Scaffolding

The modules are described as carefully scaffolded for novice learners.Read 11 Oct 2026 · stepp.utdallas.edu

Target learners

The site says STEPP was created for students in introductory physics courses.Read 11 Oct 2026 · stepp.utdallas.edu

Teachers

The site provides a teacher sign-in option alongside the public version and tutorials.Read 11 Oct 2026 · stepp.utdallas.edu

Testing

The three modules have been built and field tested at high schools and the University of Texas at Dallas.Read 11 Oct 2026 · stepp.utdallas.edu

Where Specifiction places it

• Physics Simulation Software#87 of 896.6