Meet our latest Born Accessible simulation, Quadrilateral! (2023 July).
Use it to explore the properties of and relationships between four-sided shapes.
Sample Learning Goals
Predict how moving a side or corner will change or maintain the current shape, or the current shape’s properties.
Determine the similarities and differences between quadrilaterals by looking at the connected sides, angles, and diagonal measures, and understand that the shared attributes can define a larger category.
Classify quadrilaterals based on the presence or absence of parallel or perpendicular lines, or the presence or absence of equal or right angles.
Classify quadrilaterals in a hierarchy based on shared geometric properties.
Quadrilateral’s Inclusive Features
Quadrilateral integrates multiple input and auditory features, inviting immersive and embodied experiences. Not a typical sim, this inclusive multimodal learning tool is the result of a collaboration between three research groups: PhET’s Inclusive Design team, UC Berkeley's Embodied Design Research Laboratory (EDRL), and St. Louis University's Collaborative Haptics, Robotics, and Mechatronics (CHROME) Lab.
Alternative Input
Prefer to use the keyboard? No problem! Tab to a corner or side, then use the Arrow keys to make shape changes. All interactive controls are fully actionable using common key presses. Check out the Keyboard Shortcuts dialog in the bottom navigation if you are new to using the keyboard or want to know about the special shortcuts designed for Quadrilateral.
Camera Input: Hands
Enabled with a query parameter, use your own hands to control the position of the shape’s corners and sides! Use your pointer finger and thumb of both your right and left hands to control each corner and make different shape transformations. Learn more by watching our Introduction to Camera Input: Hands video.
Sound and Sonification
This sim has some rhythm! Use Shape Sounds to help you explore shape properties and relationships.
Voicing
Want some helpful words? Turn on the Voicing feature and choose the amount of description you hear as you interact. You can customize the voice, too, and create a described experience that suits your needs.
Interactive Highlights
Want to see exactly where the action is when using mouse or touch? Turn on Interactive Highlights. You get these bright pink highlights by default when using the keyboard.
Pan & Zoom
Use a small device? Have trouble seeing details? Zoom in for a closer look and pan to an area of interest. Use pinch to zoom and dragging gestures on touch devices, or keyboard shortcuts and arrow keys on a keyboard to get the visual detail you need.
…and there is more!
See the Video Primer, Sound Features video, and the Teacher Tips in the Teaching Resources section of the Quadrilateral simulation page for more details on using these features in your classroom!
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Alternative Input
Camera Input: Hands
Sound and Sonification
Voicing 
Interactive Highlights 
Pan & Zoom
