Virtual Science
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You probably read this title and thought “Uhhh Brittany, science can’t be done virtually. The nature of science is hands-on!” And you’re not wrong. Science is all around us. It’s how how students learn that when they’re throwing a ball in PE and gravity allows the ball to fall back towards the ground. Or when your toddler grabs an egg out of the refrigerator and drops it on the ground and realizes that eggs in fact have an ooey gooey inside (luckily not speaking from experience…yet!).
There are so many different websites that allow you to explore and learn about science virtually. While you will never have the same experience as you would completing an experiment with your own hands, that doesn’t mean you’re not learning. Our kids are growing up in an age where technology is all around them. Let’s harness that need for screen time and make it a time where students learn and begin to fall in love with science to the point they can’t wait to do a hands-on experiment!
I have listed 3 different websites that will help you with virtual science instruction. Some of these tools have features that are always free, some require subscriptions, and they all have free trials!
Explore Learning - This parent company has three different resources partnered together, two of which focus on science (Science4Us and Gizmos) and one on math (Reflex).
Science4Us is geared for students in grades K - 2 and they allow students to learn science through instructional models. There is also professional development and lesson plans to help guide teachers through instruction.
Gizmos offer a hands-on tool, while using the computer with simulations for grades 3 - 12. Students can change variables in an experiment and quickly see results in real time. This offers a great alternative if you don’t have the necessary tools available to complete science experiments at school or they offer a way to quickly see results because of the time lapse feature.
Mystery Science - I maybe biased, but I absolutely love this tool! Never heard of it? Well it has two amazing parts:
Mini Lessons with Mystery Doug - Who’s Doug? He is a former educator that answers student questions! Each week students from around the world submit questions to Doug and he answers them in a way that kids will understand. Anything from how does a snake shed its skin to how does hand sanitizer kill germs. The videos are typically about 5 minutes long and the perfect way to start a Morning Meeting or end the day.
State Standard Curriculum Alignment - Do you ever have a science topic that you know you want to do a hands-on lesson, but you can’t seem to find the project that fits? Mystery Science has done the work for you! They comb through the standards of learning for your state and align the appropriate teaching materials and labs that fit the standards. They break down lesson guides, material lists, extension questions, reading materials, videos, and more!
PhET Interactive Simulations - This simulation tool is similar to the Gizmos on ExploreLearning, but the content ranges from elementary school through college. The simulations are also intended for downloading and using for whole class introduction. For example, if you are introducing a topic to your students and you want them to be able to quickly visualize the science concept in real time, the simulation allows you to quickly and easily manipulate variables in an experiment to see immediate results as a whole class. They are perfect for introductions to a new concept before you let students explore the topic individually or a small group.
Technology has certainly changed the world of education. It is up to us as teachers to be able to synthesize the materials that are available, so we can use them to our advantage. Now don’t waste any more time, dive into one of these tools! See how you can boost your instruction with students today, tomorrow, and weeks to come!
