How we check our science
Students and teachers rely on SciSim to be right. This page explains where our facts come from, how we test the simulations and how to tell us about a mistake.
Where do the facts come from?
- Standard textbooks, such as Campbell Biology, Alberts et al. Molecular Biology of the Cell and OpenStax.
- Original research papers for key discoveries, for example Hodgkin and Huxley (1952) on the nerve impulse and Mitchell (1961) on how cells make ATP.
- Data from science agencies, for example the NOAA record of carbon dioxide in the air on the carbon cycle page.
Each simulation page lists its references near the end.
How are the simulations tested?
The numbers a simulation shows (sizes, voltages, rates, results of calculations) come from those sources. Before a new or rebuilt page goes live:
- automated tests run its model and compare the results with the expected values;
- the page is tested on laptop and phone screen sizes, so nothing is hidden or overlapping;
- a separate review reads the science and the wording, and every problem it finds is fixed first.
What do the models simplify?
Every model leaves something out. A part may be drawn thicker than it really is so you can see it, a process may be slowed down, or a page may use typical textbook values where real cells or materials vary. Our aim is to say so on the page, next to the model.
Grade level and standards
Pages are written for grades 6–12, with grades 6–8 first. Formulas and high-school depth sit in a “Going further” part. Where a page fits an NGSS performance expectation, the page names it; teachers can find pages by standard on For teachers.
Found a mistake?
Please tell us. Use the Report a mistake link on a simulation page or the contact form. Name the page and, if you can, a source. We check the report against the references, and if something is wrong we fix it.
Pages with a “How we checked this page” note
These pages show their sources, key numbers, what the model simplifies and the date of the last review. We are adding the note to more pages.
Independence
SciSim has no ads, no sponsors and no paid placements. Nobody pays us to show or leave out a topic.