As a former science teacher, I know first-hand that doing labs can be both costly and often requires bringing a lot of materials to class. This week on Twitter, I found a great article on virtual labs. The article sheds light on how technology is constantly changing and creating new opportunities in the classroom. The article highlights how virtual labs are becoming more popular, and the benefits versus doing regular lab experiments. The writer of the article, Matthew Lynch, suggests that these benefits include: flexible access, instant feedback, top-notch equipment, and lower costs.
Personally, I have used a virtual lab experiment before. Not only was it less costly, but it took less time to prepare for. Normally, it takes time to get the materials together. Also, you often need to measure certain materials before the experiment can be performed. I would love to know what different websites or companies offer virtual labs.
Resource:
Lynch, M. (2016, April 23). 4 Benefits of Virtual Labs. Retrieved October 23, 2018, from https://www.theedadvocate.org/4-benefits-of-virtual-labs/
Speaking of virtual labs, my Google search produced a simulation tool. This tool can be used for science labs as well as math simulations. The tool is called Gizmos. You can find different Gizmos by the academic standard, the grade level and topic, and even by the textbook. These simulations even include assessment questions. As a project in keyboarding, I have the students type a report on something they are learning about in another subject. I could have the students complete a report on a science or math Gizmos project instead. The only challenge that I could foresee would be to make sure that all students are completing the same Gizmo for the report This is definitely a math and science tool worth looking into!
You may find more about Gizmos here.
Tackling Technology with Ms. LeBlanc 