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Virtual labs
in chemistry classes
24-11-2021
Hands-on laboratory science
experiences are critical to the learning process across
all areas of study, beginning with kindergarten and
continuing through post-secondary education. Studies and
research have shown that students who engage in
well-designed laboratory experiments develop
problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
The chemistry department at HHHS believes in the
importance of laboratory work in promoting scientific
inquiry and learning of sciences for the students, as
well as enhancing their practical skills and
problem-solving abilities. Therefore, laboratory work is
considered a key element in the learning and evaluation
process in chemistry at our school.
But this year is special and unique, with remote
learning taking the lead!!
Bill Gates says, 'Success today requires the agility and
drive to constantly re-think, re-invigorate, react and
re-invent.'
With all the uncertainties and ambiguities around us,
agility in decision making and actions is the key.
We have been using virtual labs and simulations at HHHS
for so many years now, so it was a smooth transition for
us to remote learning in chemistry. We substituted the
laboratory experiments with virtual labs, and we used
simulations and games to explain abstract concepts and
as new assessment strategies that suit this learning
experience. We even asked our learners to run easy,
simple, and safe experiments using materials available
at their home.
The virtual labs and simulations can substitute the
learning experiences that are not possible to recreate
in the classroom due to constraints in time and, or
materials. They simulate real laboratories because they
allow students to complete laboratory experiments online
and to explore concepts and theories without stepping
into a physical science lab. Consequently, a
well-designed science class with virtual laboratories
and simulations can help students develop various
scientific competencies such as experimental design,
argumentation, formulation of scientific questions, and
others.
Adopting a growth mindset is crucial to embrace the
challenges and transform them into opportunities to
grow, and as Jim Highsmith once said, "Agility is
principally about mindset, not practices."
Mrs. Sarwa Alakkad Hankir – Chemistry instructor and
subject leader at HHHS
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