2.1 Introduction to simulations and virtual labs
Watch
Watch the video above, where Dr Pascasie Nyirahabimana explains the important differences between simulations and virtual labs, and then gives you seven key steps for integrating simulations or virtual labs into your teaching. As you'll see, simulations and virtual labs are not just digital add-ons, but powerful tools for making STEAM concepts engaging, visible, and inquiry-driven.
Read
Read the highlights from the first two articles below, followed by the full Go-Lab article, to explore the role of simulations in supporting inquiry-based learning, the integration of online and virtual labs into STEAM education, and the diverse ways virtual labs are applied in teaching and learning. The articles provide insights into how virtual labs are used to enhance STEAM instruction, offer an overview of their applications in education, and present practical guidance on effectively implementing them in classroom practice.
Virtual laboratories for education in science, technology, and engineering: A review [highlights]
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2016.02.002
The learning effects of computer simulations in science education [highlights]
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2011.07.017
Innovations in STEM education: the Go-Lab federation of online labs
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-014-0003-6
Review
Review at least two of the virtual labs and simulations listed below, adjusting variables and observing what happens. As you explore the simulation or virtual lab, ask yourself, "Which type of thinking or skills does this tool encourage?"
Physics
- Faraday's electromagnetic lab
https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/cheerpj/faraday/latest/faraday.html?simulation=faraday - Magnets and electromagnets
https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/magnets-and-electromagnets/latest/magnets-and-electromagnets_all.html - Magnetic field around magnet (or Earth)
https://javalab.org/en/magnet_en/ - Charges and fields
https://demo-clix.tiss.edu/phet/sims/html/charges-and-fields/latest/charges-and-fields_all.html - Circuit construction kit: DC
https://demo-clix.tiss.edu/phet/sims/html/circuit-construction-kit-dc-virtual-lab/latest/circuit-construction-kit-dc-virtual-lab_all.html - Optics: Concave and convex mirrors
https://ophysics.com/l10.html - Geometric optics
https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/geometric-optics/latest/geometric-optics_all.html
Biology
- Natural selection
https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/natural-selection/latest/natural-selection_all.html - Before breeding mice... All about mutations and genotypes
https://www.labxchange.org/library/items/lb:LabXchange:699006a4:lx_simulation:1
Chemistry
- Build a molecule
https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/build-a-molecule/latest/build-a-molecule_all.html - Reactants, products, and leftovers
https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/reactants-products-and-leftovers - Concentration
https://www.labxchange.org/library/pathway/lx-pathway:901ed25b-bcb6-4fb0-bbfd-45e6e61a0a55/items/lb:LabXchange:626b1dac:lx_simulation:1/55039 - Molarity
https://www.labxchange.org/library/pathway/lx-pathway:901ed25b-bcb6-4fb0-bbfd-45e6e61a0a55/items/lb:LabXchange:a6782bb7:lx_simulation:1/55041
Explore · optional
Go to any web browser of your choice and search for virtual labs relevant to the subject you are teaching (some example sites are listed below). Consider what simulations might do better than an equivalent physical lab. Think of one STEAM concept you teach (e.g., photosynthesis, Ohm’s Law, quadratic graphs). How could you use a simulation or virtual lab to help students explore it?
[This is the first set of platforms. The next few sections will introduce you to more.]
PhET Interactive Simulations
https://phet.colorado.edu
GeoGebra
https://www.geogebra.org
Molecular Workbench
https://mw.concord.org/nextgen/
Respond
In the video above, Dr Pascasie Nyirahabimana introduced you to the differences between virtual labs and simulations; go back to the video if you need to review.
Then go to the 2.1 forum, where you'll be asked: Which of these - virtual labs or simulations - are more likely to be used in teaching your subject area, or is there reason to use both? Be sure to tell us why you think teaching your subject can be enhanced by virtual labs or simulations (or both!).
Then respond to at least one post, explaining at least one thing you have learned from it.
After you have completed the activities on this page, you can use the Next button below to continue on to the next section.