Must have virtual science lab, apps and resources for students
Pandemic has made a void specifically in the research and education field. Thousands of practical sessions have been suspended without any clear indication.
Experiments play a crucial role in a science student wherein students gain valuable information and experience and develop the skills for future employment. Although Virtual laboratories cannot meet the expectations; they are used as an alternative for teaching purposes in biology, chemistry, and physics. Students can perform Experiments at home with proper care and safety. Virtual laboratories cannot primarily replace traditional laboratories.
But there is a good point that,
- students can now take as much time they want to perform a particular experiment
- receive instant feedback
- familiarize themselves with health and safety regulations.
It is found that students prepare more productivity for their virtual laboratories. Virtual Laboratories can be conducted in groups permitting social interaction with the students. They are a great tool to try only when you have good internet connectivity. They are free of cost and can easily be accessible
They can make understanding and learning any concept quite interesting. Students can now access a realistic virtual laboratory anywhere. Moreover, there are additional multimedia files to help students perform the practical in the most informative manner. Virtual laboratories promote the self-growth, individual learning, and problem-solving skills of a student. They provide a game-like environment, helping the student become more engaged and motivated.
There are many tools, apps, and resources that allow students to conduct science experiments and investigations virtually:
- Project Noah-Teachers can use it to engage students in hands-on experiments.
- Prepmagic-Uses simulation to help students visualize real-world scientific phenomena
- Mystery Science-Provides a real science curriculum and experiments
- Science Buddies-Provides help for students conducting science experiments
- Exploratorium-Provides resource for people looking for help with science projects and experiments.
- Codecademy-The site contains a large cache of science simulations.
- Frog Dissection-Featuring step-by-step instructions for Frog dissecting, plenty of in-depth information on each of the frog’s organs including anatomical comparisons to human organs.
- Stephen Hawking’s Snapshots of the Universe-Includes 10 interactive experiments and video segments to help students study our universe.
- iCell App-Studying the cell became easier with this 3-D cell app. Students can view the cell structures and dynamics for plants, animals, and bacteria
- Happy Little Farmer-Helps students learn the life cycle of plants by allowing them to grow their plants.