Contrived experiences are edited versions of reality that are used as substitutes for real things in the classroom when bringing the real thing is not practical or possible. There are various types of contrived experiences including models, mock ups, specimens, objects, and simulations. Contrived experiences are used to overcome limitations like space and time, edit reality to focus on specific parts or processes, overcome difficulties related to size, understand inaccessible concepts, and help students understand abstractions. Simulations differ from games in that games are played to win while simulations do not necessarily have winners.