NASA Science Simulations

Play interactive science activities. 

Plate Movements - Convergent | NASA Online
Plate Movements - Convergent | NASA Online

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At a convergent plate boundary, lithospheric plates move toward each other. The west margin of the South American continent, where the oceanic Nazca Plate is pushed toward and beneath the continental...
Plate Movements - Divergent | NASA Online
Plate Movements - Divergent | NASA Online

Interactive

At a divergent plate boundary lithospheric plates move away from each other. As the two sides move away from each other, magma wells up from the Earth's interior. It then solidifies into rock as it is...
Plate Movements - Lateral | NASA Online
Plate Movements - Lateral | NASA Online

Interactive

At a lateral plate boundary, plates slide past each other. The San Andreas fault in California is an example of a transform plate boundary, where the Pacific Plate slides past the North American Plate...
Scattering Light | NASA Online
Scattering Light | NASA Online

Interactive

The Sun is a natural source of visible light waves. Our eyes see the reflection of the sunlight off the objects around us. Check out the simulation to learn more about scattering light.
Sense of Smell | NASA Online
Sense of Smell | NASA Online

Interactive

As you take a deep sniff, the odor particles in the air flow back to the top of your nose. Learn more about the sense of smell in the simulation.
Thrust | NASA Online
Thrust | NASA Online

Interactive

Thrust is the force that propels or drives an airplane forward. This force can be produced by an engine spinning a propeller or a jet engine expelling hot gas from the back. Watch the simulation.