Freedom251 › Physics Simulation Software
STEPP
What STEPP is
STEPP is a free web learning environment for students in introductory physics courses. It brings physics concepts, modeling, and computational thinking together in browser-based modules for laptop or desktop computers. Students and teachers create simulations from curriculum problems with a modeling tool built around finite-state machines and state diagrams. The site describes three modules: 1D kinematics, 2D kinematics, and Newton’s laws of motion. These modules are presented as carefully scaffolded for novice learners, use multiple representations, and draw on physics teaching and learning research. STEPP includes a lesson library, authoring tools, and 3D visuals. A public version and tutorials are available, alongside a teacher sign-in option. The modules have been built and field tested at high schools and the University of Texas at Dallas. Questions or suggestions can be sent to [email protected] or [email protected].
Who it suits
STEPP suits students in introductory physics courses and teachers supporting those learners. It is intended for people using a laptop or desktop browser to study or build physics simulations.
What it does well
- Free plan available
- Three introductory physics modules
- Finite-state-machine modeling tool
- Lesson library and authoring tools
- 3D visuals in web apps
What to know first
- Runs in a laptop or desktop browser
- Focused on introductory physics topics
Verdict
STEPP combines scaffolded physics lessons with simulation authoring in a browser. Its free modules cover three introductory topics and include tools for both learners and teachers.
Facts from STEPP's own pages
- Authoring tools
- Yes · stepp.utdallas.edu, 20 Sept 2026
- Availability
- STEPP Modules are a web app designed to run in a browser on a laptop or desktop computer. · stepp.utdallas.edu, 11 Oct 2026
- Delivery mode
- web · stepp.utdallas.edu, 20 Sept 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · stepp.utdallas.edu, 20 Sept 2026
- Funding
- The project is supported by a grant from the NSF STEM + Computing program. · stepp.utdallas.edu, 11 Oct 2026
- How it works
- Students and teachers build physics simulations from problems in their curriculum using a modeling tool based on finite-state machines and state diagrams. · stepp.utdallas.edu, 11 Oct 2026
- Lesson library
- Yes · stepp.utdallas.edu, 20 Sept 2026
- Modeling
- Students and teachers build physics simulations from problems in their curriculum using a modeling tool based on finite-state machines and state diagrams. · stepp.utdallas.edu, 11 Oct 2026
- Modules
- The site describes three modules covering 1D kinematics, 2D kinematics, and Newton’s laws of motion. · stepp.utdallas.edu, 11 Oct 2026
- Platform
- STEPP modules are web apps that run in a browser on a laptop or desktop computer. · stepp.utdallas.edu, 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- STEPP is a learning environment for introductory physics students to learn physics concepts, modeling, and computational thinking together. · stepp.utdallas.edu, 11 Oct 2026
- Representations
- The modules are described as multi-representational. · stepp.utdallas.edu, 11 Oct 2026
- Research basis
- The modules are described as grounded in research on teaching and learning of physics. · stepp.utdallas.edu, 11 Oct 2026
- Scaffolding
- The modules are described as carefully scaffolded for novice learners. · stepp.utdallas.edu, 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- The site lists [email protected] and [email protected] for questions or suggestions. · stepp.utdallas.edu, 11 Oct 2026
- Target learners
- The site says STEPP was created for students in introductory physics courses. · stepp.utdallas.edu, 11 Oct 2026
- Teachers
- The site provides a teacher sign-in option alongside the public version and tutorials. · stepp.utdallas.edu, 11 Oct 2026
- Testing
- The three modules have been built and field tested at high schools and the University of Texas at Dallas. · stepp.utdallas.edu, 11 Oct 2026
- 3D visuals
- Yes · stepp.utdallas.edu, 20 Sept 2026
Where STEPP stands on Freedom251
- Physics Simulation Software#79 of 89