Mystery Science vs PhET Interactive Simulations
Mystery Science
mysteryscience.comPhET Interactive Simulations
phet.colorado.eduSide by side
| Figure | Mystery Science | PhET Interactive Simulations |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 5 | 1 |
| Spec score · Science Learning Software | 7.6 (#17) | 7.9 (#12) |
| Founded | 2014 | 2002 |
| Integrations | Teachers can log in with Clever and share lessons through Google Classroom; the Clever Saved Passwords application is not supported. | Educators can create PhET accounts using Clever, which is a supported federated login provider. |
| Offline access | Mystery Science is largely online, but some activities work offline and cached lesson videos can be temporarily watched offline on the same device. | The PhET Desktop App contains all HTML5 and Java simulations and translations for offline use on Windows and macOS. |
Plans
Mystery Science
- Science homeschool membership$199, paid once
- Science + Writing homeschool bundle$259, paid once
- School membership — Writing OnlyPriced on request
- School membership — Science OnlyPriced on request
- School membership — Science + Writing BundlePriced on request
In their own words
Mystery Science
Mystery 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.