Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
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…and an unlimited budget to replace consumables and broken or outdated equipment.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
