Simulations

Simulations:  Virtual Lab, clean, safe, distant

Discussion: Simulation software is a product that provides students and instructors with a digital representation of a system.  There are different levels of interactivity of simulations.  In general the user is presented with a system and set of variables that can  be adjusted.  Changing the variables changes the behavior of the system.  There are different types of simulations that represent different types of instructional needs and different types of systems.  A simulation can teach about a system or it can teach how to be a part of a system.  So instructional lab simulations teach about a system and how-to videos teach how to be a part of a system.

Teacher perspective:  Simulations are valuable tools and are especially useful for instruction in the science classroom.  A simulation can make a lab easier, safer, more manageable, take less time, and more engaging.  Some systems cannot be observed without a simulation software.  Geologic processes for instance take far too much time for humans to observe, the movement of charges in a wire is too small to observe, and placing Francium metal in water is far too dangerous.  Simulations can be used as stand-alone products for students to engage with or can be used in the course of instruction.

Student perspective:  This is a mixed-bag.  Some simulations are very engaging and make the system very easy to understand some are not.  They all support visual learners who like to be able to see what the system is doing and how it is behaving.  It can help to expose the simple interactions within a complex topic.

Reality: Simulations are valuable tools.  As a tool, what comes out of it depends on how the tool is being used. Simulations can lend themselves to inquiry.  Often simulations end up being used as nothing more than a cookbook lab where the students follow a set list of procedures and come out with a predictable answer.  Also, a simulation can possibly be misconstrued as a game by students.

Inquiry supported: All levels.  Level 3 and level 4 inquiry may be more difficult to engage in and may only work for more self-motivated and independent students

Examples for Physics:

Phet:  https://phet.colorado.edu/  This site is a treasure trove of simulations.  It is an interactive site for teachers and students.  Educators contribute activities with lesson plans to be used with simulations or teachers can develop their own.  Very supportive of digital inquiry activities.

The Physics Classroom:  http://www.physicsclassroom.com/Physics-Interactives The physics classroom is a valuable resoource on several levels and has instructional software that spans several of the types.  This link is specifically for the simulation section.