Software Review: Labster for science teachers

As my teaching area is going to be science, this week, I’ve had a delightful time downloading science based apps and playi...sorry, testing them, so I could complete this week's blogging task.  


There are, of course, numerous Apps and software programs that can be used in the science classroom but one of the most useful categories would have to be the simulation.  Simulations are available in either App form from Google Play Store or the AppStore and are also available as open source software for computers. Defined by Smetana and Bell (2012) as ‘computer generated, dynamic models of the real world and its processes’, simulations have been found to provide many advantages in the science classroom.  Whilst they have been found to be most effective when used in conjunction with teacher guidance and support materials (Smetana and Bell, 2012), the evidence is overwhelmingly in support of computer generated simulations being valuable teaching and learning tools (Smetana and Bell, 2012; Rutten et al, 2011). They allow students to conduct hands on techniques in the virtual world that would be beyond budgetary, safety and time-frame constraints in a real classroom. Students can work at their own pace, stop, go back and repeat activities and are able to vary far more parameters than would be possible in a real laboratory.  Due to the immediacy and simplicity of ‘set up’ (ie none to very little required), more variables can be investigated and more topics can be covered in a shorter period of time. A diversity of learners can also be catered for as, with many programs, teachers can vary the amount of scaffolding or teacher support provided.
Labster is described as ‘laboratory simulations for Educators to Empower their STEM Students - Empowering the next Generation of Scientists to Change the World”.  Heady stuff. This is unfortunately not free but you are able to create an account for a short free trial. There are about 70 different simulations available in the library, mostly with a biotechnology/biology/life sciences slant and some are probably more suitable for first year university than high school.  However, there is lots of variety and ‘courses’ that would be suitable for years 7-12. For example Acids and Bases, Respiration, Mendelian Inheritance, Biosafety, cell culture, Chemistry Safety, Cellular respiration, Equilibrium,Experimental Design. All have sophisticated animation, and learning objectives clearly outlined.   Most courses seem to take about 35 minutes to complete and are based on some sort of a real-world problem for example a sick person (who you have to save by typing their blood correctly for a transfusion) to a food poisoning outbreak that you go to the farm to trace the source. The courses are interactive and immersive and immediately applicable to real world scenarios and situations.  The development company has collaborated with many top universities and biotechnology/life sciences companies globally, lending authority to the information in the eyes of students.
I’ve very much enjoyed my tour through the Labster catalogue and I challenge any science teachers out there to check it out at https://www.labster.com/  
References:
Smetana, L. K., & Bell, R. L. (2012). Computer simulations to support science instruction and learning:
A critical review of the literature. International Journal of Science Education, 34(9), 1337-1370.
Rutten, N., Van Joolingen, W. R., & Van der Veen, J. T. (2012). The learning effects of computer
simulations in science education. Computers & Education, 58(1), 136-153.
(n.d.). Labster | Award Winning Virtual Lab Simulations. Retrieved March 16, 2018,
from https://www.labster.com/
(2014, October 20). Review of Labster: Virtual Laboratories for High School and College ....
Retrieved March 16, 2018, from
https://thegamerteacher.wordpress.com/2014/10/20/review-of-labster-virtual-laboratories-for-high-school-and-college/

Location: Dubbo NSW 2830, Australia

Comments

  1. UnknownMarch 19, 2018 at 12:18 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. OliviaApril 10, 2018 at 9:36 PM

    Hi Melinda,

    What a great blog you have going! I absolutely love reading your insights and the fun way you've shared what you've learnt.

    I too am learning to be a science teacher and came across labster! How great is it! I'm hoping the school I end up in has the software available. I also came across one called Älgodoo, another science simulation software you may want to check out - its also free!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousApril 24, 2018 at 3:34 PM

    Hi Melinda,
    I also have my teaching area in science and i love your find of Labster. Such a great interactive tool for students and i like that it has a maturity aspect to it, compared to sites i have found e.g. Science By Doing and ABC Education. Whilst, the other sites are great and link to the Australian Curriculum, the 'real-world' aspect of the simulations provide some connection for the students to take away and apply where they need to.
    Thank you for your insight!
    Cheers,
    Collette

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownMay 2, 2018 at 12:24 PM

    Hi Melinda,

    Thanks for another thorough and insightful blog. While I'm not a science teacher, your enthusiasm has motivated me to have a look into the labster.com resource.
    "Edu-tainment" seems to be the word of the day in the education department, I even heard my wife use it the other day (she primary school teacher). It is pleasing to see such a wide range of engaging educational resources are available which encourage student-centred learning. With any luck these resources will make teaching just that little less strenuous through sustained student engagement.

    thanks again.

    James

    ReplyDelete

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