Need a ripple tank for each of your students, now you have one! The Virtual Ripple Tank is easy and fun to operate. This java virtual ripple tank aims to model the surface of a shallow pond. Your task is to investigate some of the intriguing phenomena associated with with light and sound such as reflection, refraction, diffraction and interference either by viewing the set examples, or adding your own sources of ripples. Developed by Falstad. An elegant learning tool.

The name of this elegant and effective "learning tool" is called Wave on a String. Watch a vibrating string in slow motion. Wiggle the end of the string and make waves, or adjust the frequency and amplitude of an oscillator. Adjust the damping and tension. The end can be fixed, loose, or open. This tool is brought to us by The PhET Project and made possible by the Kavli Operating Institute.

One of the most innovative science education companies is Explorelearning.com, they call their simulations, Gizmos. They are a subscription site, but they allow you to see this Gizmo for 5 minutes. Just click on the Doppler Effect (1 Source)  to see their wonderful "learning tool".  Shockwave is required. Frederick Herschel discovered that the biggest change in temperature seemed to be caused by light that isn't even visible. 

When astronomers want to investigate nearby star systems, or even more remote objects like galaxies, they cannot rely on space missions. Instead, they resort to a light analysis technique called spectroscopy. In Decoding Cosmic Spectra, students learn the basics of spectroscopy and use the technique to reveal the composition of four different cosmic objects.  This is a “learning tool” by NOVA.

The name of this "learning tool" is called Electromagnetic Waves. Students move a slider back and forth to shorten and lengthen waves, as examples of those waves appear. This applet was produced by Physics 2000, a wonderful site for everything physics related.

The ASPIRE Lab is brought to us by the University of Utah. This "learning tool" is called Wave Basics and features an interactive wave maker.

This "learning tool" is called MiniWaveMaker . MiniWaveMaker is a simple version of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics full featured WaveMaker.

The name of this elegant web site is The Causes of Color. Why is the sky blue? Why is fire yellow? What about flamingos or emeralds? Scholars have learned that all the colors in the universe originate from a mere fifteen fundamental physical causes. These causes appear over and over, lending color to the world around us. Some common causes seem logical ,and others are surprising -- did you know that the colors of peacock feathers and bubbles are both caused by interference? Produced by the Institute for Dynamic Educational Advancement.

One of the most innovative science education companies is Explorelearning.com, they call their simulations, Gizmos. They are a subscription site, but they allow you to see this Gizmo for 5 minutes. Just click on the Herschel Experiment, the discovery of infrared energy.   Frederick Herschel discovered that the biggest change in temperature seemed to be caused by light that isn't even visible!  Shockwave is required.