Exploring Science Through Virtual Labs

Introduction

As educators, we’re always looking for new ways to make learning interactive, engaging, and equitable. One of the most effective approaches is using learning objects—reusable tools designed to deliver accessible instructional experiences. For this project, I developed a Virtual Lab Environment learning object drawn from my VR/AR integration proposal. This object allows students to safely explore scientific concepts through interactive simulations while reinforcing inquiry-based learning.

Virtual Lab: Labster

Learning Objective

The Virtual Lab is designed to meet the following outcome:

• Students will analyze the outcomes of controlled experiments and explain how variables influence results.

This focus aligns with science standards by encouraging students to test hypotheses, observe outcomes, and interpret results in a safe, digital setting.

Content of the Learning Object

The Virtual Lab simulates a real science laboratory where learners can conduct experiments involving chemical reactions, energy transfer, or ecosystems. Students interact with virtual beakers, Bunsen burners, and test tubes, adjusting variables such as temperature or concentration. Built-in guiding questions prompt them to predict outcomes, analyze changes, and connect findings to scientific principles.

This object was created using Labster, a leading virtual lab platform, chosen for its interoperability with LMS systems like Canvas and Google Classroom. It includes accessibility features such as captions, text-to-speech options, and visual clarity, ensuring that multilingual learners and students with varied needs can meaningfully participate.

Why the Virtual Lab Works

Designing effective learning objects means prioritizing interaction, accessibility, and reusability. The Virtual Lab meets these requirements by allowing learners to manipulate variables, receive immediate feedback, and repeat experiments without added cost or safety risks.

Research supports this approach: Adanali (2021) highlights how immersive digital simulations bridge the gap between theory and real-world learning, while Shute and Ke (2012) emphasize that interactive, game-like learning objects increase motivation and critical thinking. In other words, virtual labs don’t just replace traditional learning—they enhance it by creating authentic inquiry-driven experiences.

Interactivity, Accessibility, and Reusability

• Interactive: Students actively design experiments, test predictions, and view results.

• Accessible: Built-in features (captions, adjustable settings, and text-to-speech) meet diverse learner needs.

• Engaging: The immersive visuals and hands-on exploration increase curiosity and persistence.

• Reusable: The lab can be applied across multiple science units—energy, ecosystems, chemistry—simply by customizing guiding questions.

How To: Bringing the Virtual Lab into Your Classroom

Colleagues often ask, “How do I start using this?” Here’s a simple access guide to integrate the Virtual Lab into your own course:

1. Access Labster: Go to https://www.labster.com/ and create an instructor account (free trial available).

2. Select a Lab: Browse the simulation library and choose one aligned with your unit—for example, Acids and Bases or Cell Membrane Transport.

3. Customize the Experience: Add guiding questions, adjust pacing, and select embedded assessments.

4. Integrate with Your LMS: Generate an embed code or direct link, then place it within your Canvas, Google Classroom, or Moodle module.

5. Share with Students: Provide access instructions and highlight accessibility features like captions and text-to-speech.

6. Review and Assess: Use the analytics dashboard to track time on task, quiz performance, and overall progress.

   👉 Pro tip: Pair the Virtual Lab with a short reflection journal or discussion prompt in your LMS to deepen critical thinking and connect virtual experiments to real-world applications.

   Conclusion

   The Virtual Lab Environment demonstrates how a well-designed learning object can transform science learning. It is interactive, engaging, accessible, and reusable, while also aligning with best practices in instructional design. By adopting tools like Labster, we can ensure that all students—regardless of background—gain access to cutting-edge experiences that prepare them for the future.

   Virtual Lab: Introduction

   Labster: Mini tour

   👉 Explore the Virtual Lab here: https://www.labster.com/

   
   

   

   Summary of the “Why, What, and How” of this Virtual Lab so colleagues could quickly share it in a faculty meeting or PD session.

   References

   Adanali, R. (2021). How geogames can support geographical education? Review of International Geographical Education, 11(1), 215–235. https://doi.org/10.33403/rigeo.855550

   Johnson, L. F., Adams Becker, S., Cummins, M., Estrada, V., Freeman, A., & Hall, C. (2018). NMC Horizon Report: 2018 Higher Education Edition. The New Media Consortium.

   Martin, F., & Ndum, V. E. (2021). Digital Equity in Education: A Framework for Advancing Social Justice. Information Age Publishing.

   Shute, V. J., & Ke, F. (2012). Games, learning, and assessment. In D. Ifenthaler, D. Eseryel, & X. Ge (Eds.), Assessment in game-based learning: Foundations, innovations, and perspectives (pp. 43–58). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3546-4_4