Phet simulations vs real experiments for better understanding electrical resistance

In this research, we investigate the advantages and disadvantages of using real and virtual experiments in developing students’ knowledge and skills. The investigation samples consist of 10th grade students of three gymnasiums in Macedonia. The students were divided into three groups: Real, Virtual and Traditional group. Real experiments were applied in the classes of the Real group, virtual experiments were applied in the classes of the Virtual group and traditional direct teaching was applied in the Traditional group. Students’ task was to investigate how various ways of connecting electrical resistors influence the work of the electric circuit. The research shows that each of the approaches gives different contribution to the knowledge and understanding of the processes and concepts of teaching. Real experiments give contribution to the skills related to cooperation and teamwork, as well as better understanding of the phenomena. On the other hand, simulations give opportunity to the students to spend more time thinking about the results, phenomena and relations.