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CPU Computer Simulators
What CPU Computer Simulators is
CPU Computer Simulators is a free desktop suite for teaching physics and physical science. The simulations let students investigate phenomena in varied situations, conduct simulated experiments, test models, and receive feedback through multiple representations. Its lesson library covers static electricity and magnetism, electric circuits, forces and motion, light and color, waves and sound, and small particle theory. The curriculum uses elicitation, development, and application cycles, with experimentation and discussion supporting idea development and testing. PhysPort lists the approach for middle school, high school, and introductory college courses, including calculus-based, algebra-based, and conceptual classes. Downloads are available for macOS and Windows, with installation readmes and offline access. Classroom use requires a projector and student computers. The software was produced in Java in 1999, may not run on modern computers, and comes without guarantees or software support. PhysPort assigns Bronze Validation and lists several compatible teaching methods.
Who it suits
It suits physics and physical-science instructors teaching middle school through introductory college, especially classes using experimentation and discussion. A projector and computers for students are required.
What it does well
- Free downloads for macOS and Windows
- Offline desktop use
- Covers electricity, motion, waves, and particles
- Supports simulated experiments and model testing
- Includes installation readmes
What to know first
- Produced in Java in 1999
- May not run on modern computers
- No guarantees or software support
- Classroom use requires projector and student computers
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Downloadable physics simulations | Free |
| Free download | Simulations are free to download · may not run on modern computers · no guarantees or software support | Free |
As physport.org lists them, read 20 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
CPU Computer Simulators offers a broad, free simulation library organized around an instructional cycle. Its age and lack of support create compatibility considerations for current computers.
Facts from CPU Computer Simulators's own pages
- Age and compatibility
- The simulators were produced in Java in 1999 and may not run on modern computers. · physport.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Classroom resources
- The listed resources required are a projector and computers for students. · physport.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Delivery mode
- desktop · physport.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Download
- PhysPort says the simulations can be downloaded for free from its CPU Computer Simulators curriculum page. · physport.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · physport.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Installation information
- The download section lists installation readmes for Mac and PC. · physport.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- PhysPort lists Peer Instruction, PhET Interactive Simulations, Tutorials in Introductory Physics, and other compatible methods. · physport.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Intended learners
- PhysPort lists the method for middle school, high school, and introductory college levels, including calculus-based, algebra-based, and conceptual courses. · physport.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Lesson library
- Yes · physport.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Offline access
- Yes · physport.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Organization
- PhysPort is developed by the American Association of Physics Teachers in collaboration with Kansas State University and is supported by the National Science Foundation. · physport.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- PhysPort says it may be used without personal information and that identifiable information is not otherwise disclosed to third parties unless required by law. · physport.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- CPU Computer Simulators is a suite of computer simulations for teaching physics and physical science. · physport.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Research validation
- PhysPort assigns the method Bronze Validation, its third-highest research-validation level. · physport.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Simulation activities
- Simulations let students explore phenomena in different situations, conduct simulated experiments, test models, and receive feedback with multiple representations. · physport.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- PhysPort provides no guarantees or support for this software. · physport.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Teaching approach
- The CPU curriculum uses cycles of elicitation, development, and application, with students developing and testing ideas through experimentation and discussion. · physport.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Topics
- The simulations cover static electricity and magnetism, electric circuits, forces and motion, light and color, waves and sound, and small particle theory. · physport.org, 11 Oct 2026
Where CPU Computer Simulators stands on Freedom251
- Physics Simulation Software#50 of 89