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Definition: "Laboratory experiences provide
opportunities for students to interact directly with the material world
(or with data drawn from the material world), using the tools, data
collection techniques, models, and theories of science."
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Understanding the Complexity and Ambiguity of Empirical Work
The virtual experiments in Smart Science® virtual labs are films of real experiments, enhancing students' understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work. Students interact with these experiments to collect real data, which are different for each student and include systematic and random errors. Virtual labs that use simulations mislead students into the mistaken idea that experimental data are perfect and easy to collect and understand.
Developing Scientific Reasoning
Guided scientific inquiry is built into every Smart Science® virtual lab. Students write hypotheses and choose the best experiments for testing their hypotheses.
After they determine that their data are sufficient, they defend their findings in a built-in lab report.
Whenever possible, students must
also design and perform real experiments outside of the computer and upload images and data into the Smart Science® lab for analysis and reporting.
Understanding the Nature of Science
When students write hypotheses, run experiments and collect data in a Smart Science® virtual lab, they must take into consideration that they are working with real experiments and that the data they collect will never be perfect or error free.
Students expand their understanding of the imperfection of all real experiments by designing and performing
real experiments outside of the computer and uploading images and data into the Smart Science® lab for analysis and reporting.
Enhancing a Mastery of Subject Matter
By requiring students to take their own data from the real world, Smart Science® labs allow students to comprehend the true nature of the phenomena they're investigating. Each lab begins with a short introduction and warm-up exercises designed to elicit common misconceptions of the subject matter. Then, students write hypotheses about the outcome of experiments. When taking data, students compare real world values with their internal model. At the end of each lab students use their experimental work to answer questions and solve problems. Smart Science® labs encourage students to challenge themselves and provide easy access to mastery materials.
Developing Practical Skills
Whenever possible, Smart Science® virtual labs contain integrated offline experiments where students design and perform real experiments outside of the computer and upload images and data into the virtual lab for analysis and reporting. Smart Science® labs also provide interactive procedure exercises for students to develop deep insight into laboratory procedures and practical skills.
Cultivating Interest in Science and Interest in Learning Science
Smart Science® labs use virtual and offline real experiments, providing opportunities for students to explore the real world as scientists do. Students must write hypotheses, gather data, understand the data fully, and decide if their hypotheses are correct or must be refined. Ideally, the laboratory experience will generate more questions in the students' minds than it answers.
Developing Teamwork Abilities
Students can work in groups as they write hypotheses and pick experiments most likely
to provide insight into the validity of the hypotheses. They can also share their offline experiment designs, including how best to acquire and assemble
materials and the optimal protocols and procedures for extracting useful data.
After students complete a lab, they're encouraged to present their findings in a class forum and collaborate to identify the principles of science involved.
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