Abstract This chapter examines some of the philosophical literature on idealizations in science and epistemic challenges potentially pose for astrophysical methodology, particularly its use computer simulations. We begin by surveying idealization connected to (1) kinds deployed science, (2) aims (3) various strategies de-idealization. Using collisional ring galaxy simulations as a case study, w...

This paper introduces a new suite of computer simulations from the Physics Education Technology (PhET) project, identifies features of these educational tools, and demonstrates their utility. We compare the use of PhET simulations to the use of more traditional educational resources in lecture, laboratory, recitation and informal settings of introductory college physics. In each case we demonst...