Virtual Chemistry Labs

Chemistry was one of my worst subjects in high school. If I would have had access to virtual chemistry labs, I think I would have taken more of an interest in the subject. Using simulations in a chemistry lab allows students a hands-on opportunity of trial and error, it demonstrates the reasoning behind “why” and “what” they do in the lab, and it takes the students beyond the normal classroom setting to experience things that they could not normally try due to severe consequences. Allowing the students the opportunity to work individually with trial and error helps them build higher order thinking skills. Thus, the virtual lab permits students to focus on problem solving rather than drill and repetition activities. By using simulations, we change the structured learning environment and reach the learning needs of more students. For example, kinesthetic learners are not going to remember how the heart functions just by reading about it in a book. These types of learners need to “do.” With simulators, students get the opportunity to perform without the actual consequences. Student learn what makes the heart pump, what it looks like to have a blood clot, and how to take it apart and put it back together. By “doing” they learn how to correct their mistakes and how to expect the unexpected.