Making Virtual Labs Work

Pamela JohnsonElaine Carson

2008 Virtual School Symposium

Phoenix, Arizona

Introduction

In a perfect world, every science teacher would have…

…a safe, modern, well equipped lab space

…that was available with no waiting,

…sufficient time to set up and prepare the materials and equipment,

…and an unlimited budget to replace consumables and broken or outdated equipment.

Challenges in Providing Lab Experiences to Online Learners

Eliminate hands-on lab component Perform wet labs at institution (hybrid

environment) Provide students with wet lab kits to

perform at home Utilize virtual labs and simulations

What Makes a Lab Effective?

Real science Analyzing scientific principles A chance for error Clear Purpose A connection to real content Supports the scientific method

Well-Designed Labs

Allow students to: Design and carry out experiments “Muddle around” and explore Manipulate data Think analytically Evaluate and communicate accurate,

meaningful results and conclusions

Advantages of Virtual Labs

Accessible anytime, anywhere Available regardless of facility,

equipment, or budget Cheaper, safer, greener Repeatable as needed Flexibility – thinking and working time

Concerns About Virtual Labs

Often lack ambiguity. Students don’t learn practical skills. Students can’t design and test their

own experiments. Students don’t develop skills in

teamwork.

At e4TN, we take a multi-pronged approach…

Kitchen Chemistry Parking Lot Physics Virtual Labs

Design and build our own Incorporate Open Educational Resources

Learn Practical Skills

Microscopic Measurement (Virtual Labs Interactive Media - Stanford University)

Ohaus Balance Tutorials (Ohaus)

Neutralization Lab (e4TN)

Well-designed labs allow students to…

Microscopic Measurement

Ohaus Balance Tutorials

Ohaus Balance Tutorial Movie.swf

Neutralization Lab

Presentation Files\VSS Presentation 2008.html

Well-designed labs allow students to…

Momentum Lab (e4TN)

Virtual Circuit Lab (DC only)

(Physics Education Technology, University of Colorado at Boulder)

“Muddle Around” and Explore

Momentum Lab

Presentation Files\VSS Presentation 2008.html

Virtual Circuit Lab

cck-dc.jar

Well-designed labs allow students to…

Types of Chemical Reactions

(Student write word equation, balanced chemical equation, type of reaction)

Momentum Lab Specific Heat Lab

Manipulate Data

Think Analytically

Types of Chemical Reactions Lab (e4TN)

Well-designed labs allow students to…

Types of Chemical Reactions Lab

Presentation Files\VSS Presentation 2008.html

Evaluate and Communicate

Density Lab (e4TN)

Well-designed labs allow students to…

Density Lab

Presentation Files\VSS Presentation 2008.html

“Discuss the density data. Can you positively identify the source of each sample? Can you rule out the presence of any of the known samples at the scene? How might experimental error affect the data?”

“Write a plausible scenario for the events which led to the death of the victim. Support your conclusion with data and with observations of evidence and statements by witnesses as the scene.”

Ambiguity

Virtual Labs Can Work

Allow students to: Design and carry out experiments “Muddle around” and explore Manipulate data Think analytically Evaluate and communicate accurate,

meaningful results and conclusions

What do the students think?

Engaged Successful AP Physics

Questions and Sharing

• Our website: https://www.e4tn.org/cms/

• Click on Course Demos

• Select Density Lab or Neutralization Lab

Your Presenters

pamela.johnson.e4tn@gmail.com

elaine.carsone4tn@gmail.com