| Lab Skills | |
| Unlike a real science laboratory, this "virtual lab environment" gives a student the freedom to safely explore a number of different paths through a given science experiment, in order to deepen her understanding of the relationship between procedures and outcomes—between cause and effect. Six experiments are offered, drawn from Biology, Chemistry and Physics. A student begins by choosing an experiment to perform and getting its aim. Next, she may either select her equipment (apparatus) or select (in order) the appropriate procedures. Certain (but not all) procedure and apparatus combinations will produce an experimental result. But is this result the one desired or expected? Feedback is provided along the way, and the student may modify her selections and review outcomes. Once a student achieves a final experimental result, she must complete the experiment by selecting from a list of possible conclusions. Feedback is again provided, depending on the correctness of the chosen conclusion and how the experiment was conducted. Additional comments may also be provided to encourage the student to generalize her knowledge and understanding of the experiment beyond the laboratory to the real-world. As straightforward as this virtual lab experience sounds, each experiment has its own peculiarities and potential pitfalls. Some choices made along the way can lead to unexpected outcomes! |
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