MEL Science vs PhET Interactive Simulations
MEL Science
melscience.comPhET Interactive Simulations
phet.colorado.eduSide by side
| Figure | MEL Science | PhET Interactive Simulations |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $44.90/mo | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 1 |
| Spec score · Science Learning Software | 7.6 (#16) | 7.9 (#12) |
| Audience | The products are designed for children ages 5–14+, science educators, schools, homeschooling parents, and families introducing children to science. | PhET simulations are designed primarily for K-12 and university students and are intended for students in preschool, K-12, or college. |
| Founded | 2014 | 2002 |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | Boulder, Colorado, United States |
| Mobile apps | The company's apps include MEL Science: a science lab app, CuriosityQ: science and DIY, MEL VR Science Simulations, and MEL STEM: Science for Kids, available through Google Play or the App Store. | The Android and iOS apps contain all HTML5 simulations and translations for offline use and automatically download new HTML5 simulations. |
Plans
MEL Science
- MEL Science subscription — 3-month billing$44.90 a month
- MEL Science subscription — 6-month billing$44.90 a month
- MEL Science subscription — annual billing$44.90 a month
- MEL Science subscription — monthly billing$44.90 a month
In their own words
MEL Science
MEL Science has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
PhET Interactive Simulations
PhET Interactive Simulations provides interactive science and mathematics simulations for students from preschool through university. Its design emphasizes scientific inquiry, visual mental models, multiple representations, real-world connections, and flexible classroom use; the simulations include virtual experiments and guided lessons. PhET says simulations are evaluated for educational effectiveness through student interviews and classroom observation. All are open source, and they are written in HTML5, with some legacy simulations in Java or Flash. They can run online or be downloaded. Android and iOS apps include HTML5 simulations and translations for offline use and automatically download new HTML5 simulations. A desktop app provides HTML5 and Java simulations and translations for offline use on Windows and macOS. The service is available on the web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and select Chromebooks. Android browser-based HTML5 simulations and Linux are not officially supported. The free simulations plan is available to students and teachers. Commercial use requires a license from the University of Colorado Boulder.