3 Reasons Why I Love Virtual Science Experiments

Imagine a science experiment that doesn’t require a long list of materials and hours of preparation. In my earlier years as a middle school teacher, I dreaded getting ready for my science labs. This was because I often didn’t have the budget or the time to prepare for a class of forty students. If that was not hard enough, I had four separate classes for each grade level.

Everything changed when I discovered the virtual science experiments. As I began to use them in my lessons, I no longer had to spend days preparing for experiments. I noticed a shift in my mood and my students’ level of engagement skyrocketed. You may or may not use virtual science experiments in your lessons, but here are some reasons why I love them.

1. They Remove The Uncertainties

 No matter how many times you have done a physical experiment, doing it again with a new set of students comes with a little bit of uncertainty. Will the results balance? What if students break equipment? The fret and questions can be endless. With virtual simulations such as the one freely available on PHET SIMULATION . I no longer have to deal with these issues. Everything seems to go to plan.

Check out some ready-to-use virtual lab experiments below: Click here to explore

2. They Are Fun And Engaging

   
   

Virtual science experiments have a game-like vibe to them. It is no surprise that students at all grade levels love them. They are less rigid than a physical experiment. For this reason, students can be easily engaged almost instantly when they are exposed to them. I have noticed many of my students can be quite involved every time we do virtual labs in class. They ask meaningful questions and desire to explore more ideas thereby increasing their understanding of the lesson.

3. They Make Impossible Experiments Possible

   
   

No matter how resourced our science classrooms are, some experiments just cannot be done. This may be due to safety issues or just a lack of equipment. For example, an experiment on the effect of electric charges in a magnetic field would be hard for many teachers to physically conduct for our students. Here is where virtual experiments can play a crucial role. They can provide a unique way for our students to still be able to explore the impossible.

At this point in my teaching career, I have to admit I am addicted to using virtual experiments. Although physical experiments are great (I still use them), virtual experiments provide unique benefits that cannot be ignored. I am always searching and learning about them. I adapt them to my lesson where appropriate. I realize that not every teacher may have access to fast-speed internet and smartphones in their classrooms.

I am fortunate to have access to these privileges in the school I work at. I pray that sooner than later, teachers worldwide will have access to these technologies too. I know when they do, they can transform the learning experiences of their students for the better.

Are you a fan of virtual experiments? Which websites do you often use? Share your insights in the comment section.

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