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TechQuest CEP 810 Transcript: Online Science Simulations Part I I: I hear you’ll be talking about online science simulations and their importance to teachers and students. But first, what exactly are online science simulations? JC: Online science simulations are online computer-generated interactive programs that can represent real or imaginary situations. I: I see. And why are they special? JC: Well, how many times have you heard of students that got injured in the lab while conducting an experiment? This has put off a lot of students from experimenting and teachers gradually see a decline in the number of students interested in chemistry these days. I hope that after I’ve presented the benefits of online science simulations, students won’t be intimidated by the risks involved and will become more aware of the procedures to follow in order to avoid accidents. I: Can you tell us more about your TechQuest on online science simulations? JC: Well, when I embarked on my TechQuest, I was quite confident I’d find numerous sites about online science simulations, but quite honestly I didn’t expect them to be so many and so great. And as I was doing my research, I realized that on line science simulations had other benefits than just helping students experiment safely. But first, I’d like to describe those simulations that deal with safety in science. The first site I came across was the Virtual Laboratory site that offers marvelous simulations. You can find it at www.virtlab.com/main.aspx. This site provides students with an environment in which they can really experiment safely with acids. I wouldn’t want to imagine what could happen if a student goofed up such an experiment in reality!(laughter) If a student is scared of acids, then this will be the perfect way to motivate them without intimidating them. There are a lot of such sites that ensure students are experimenting safely with dangerous substances. Part II I: Is danger only present inside the Lab? JC: As a matter of fact, danger exists everywhere, even right now as we’re talking. (Laughter) But no, you’re right, online science simulations take students out of the world of laboratories and into the open space as well. In one simulation, called the Parachute Man Simulation, students learn how to calculate the dimensions of the canopy and the size of the upper hole so the parachutist can land safely. Here as well we’re dealing with dangerous situations that are a bit different from the ones students face in the lab, but that are nonetheless important to consider.

Created by: Jean-Claude Aura

Date: April 2009

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