Many science laboratory courses have recently become available online. Today’s students can complete chemistry, biology, physics, anatomy, physiology, and geology online science laboratory coursework at home thanks to unique technical breakthroughs and novel teaching methodologies.
Online scientific research laboratory courses usually include a combination of devices and strategies commonly called “kitchen chemistry.” It involves the utilization of products that are either already in your house or easy to find.
Your professor can also provide you with a video presentation to watch and respond to during class discussions and other assignments. As universities continue to offer online courses, home laboratory kits, digital simulators, and virtual laboratories are becoming more prominent.
At-Home Laboratory Kits
Home laboratory kits allow you to conduct experiments at home. It includes the same basic research instruments as found in traditional classrooms.
Hands-On Labs, eScience Labs, and Carolina Biological Supply Companies are just a few companies that provide home laboratory kits for online university classrooms. In addition, you can customize the laboratory kit to meet the needs of your science lab course.
What Tools are Present in a Laboratory Kit?
The Science Lab Kit contains three main types of items.
(i) Safety Equipment
Some lab kits might consist of corrosive products such as acids, strong bases. However, many lab kits are equipped with security goggles, an apron, and hand-wear covers to keep you and your workplace secure when carrying out science experiments.
(ii) Laboratory Equipment
The specific instruments you’ll need will be determined by the scientific research classes you select. Online physics labs typically require different supplies than online biology labs. Standard biology lab kits, for example, usually include graduated cylindrical tubes, beakers, pipettes, examination tubes, and thermometers. Additional supplies such as dissecting microscopes or kits may be required for conducting lab works.
(iii) Materials
The products you use will undoubtedly vary depending on the lessons included in your program. For biology classes, this may mean specimens for analysis and related equipment. In contrast, online chemistry laboratories may require various liquid and solvent solutions, such as acetone, hydrochloric acid, and potassium iodide.
A lot of these pre-assembled sets consist of instructions and worksheets for detailed experimentation. Be sure to check your curriculum for details and make inquiries if you don’t understand the lab course outlines.
Cost of Online Science Laboratory Course-Work Kits
One of the disadvantages of home laboratory kits is usually the cost. The prices vary from company to company, with starter kits ranging from $30 to over $200. In addition, specific course kits, such as cell structure, blood type, light refraction, and groundwater analysis, might have a wide range of pricing. Therefore, it is essential to coordinate with your Professor and university bookstore while purchasing lab kits.
Safety First
The campus-based laboratories contain a variety of safety equipment. Companies that provide home laboratory kits are aware of this and use materials that have been well tested and selected to assure safety. It’s crucial to complete a laboratory safety module before your first formal experiment.
When preparing for the online lab, consider where you will work. You need a safe place to set up your equipment and perform your tasks, as well as a place to store your equipment and all related materials when not in use. In addition, you should always follow the instructions and use protective equipment such as glasses, gloves, or an apron when experimenting.
Simulations and Online Labs
Virtual laboratories and simulations allow for comprehensive scientific investigation without the cost or safety problems that come with traditional laboratory supplies. The terms “simulation” and “virtual laboratory” are sometimes used synonymously. It contains many tools and interfaces that permit you to study scientific principles independently.
What is Simulation?
In the context of an online science laboratory, simulations are digital presentations utilized to show you exactly how something works. Examples of simulations include demonstrating physics principles, illustrating a chemical reaction, or checking out the impacts of gravity.
HHMI Bio Interactive and the University of Colorado Rock’s PhET Interactive Simulations project are two sources of clinical simulations. Surf these sites to discover how they function and what to expect if simulations are part of your lab program. Many simulation interfaces make use of graphics and animations to present each topic.
Some simulations are like videos: you can watch them by pressing the play button. While others are interactive, allowing you to manipulate variables in the simulation to obtain different results. For example, the pH scale of PhET simulates the pH value of the various liquids you are monitoring, while other simulations use game formats.
What is a Virtual Laboratory?
Virtual laboratory applications are similar to simulations, and you can observe them on the screen to study multiple scientific topics; however, these devices typically provide a more immersive experience. The use of 3D models and, in some cases, enhanced virtual reality allows you to participate more actively in the simulation.
There are three online lab devices such as Labster, Visible Body, and CloudLabs mainly focused on science and math topics. According to Labster, the virtual laboratory “allows students to process real stories, interact with laboratory equipment, conduct experiments, and learn through quizzes and theoretical questions. You can also use applications such as Sketchfab to create your own digital models in the course. More so, many of these virtual lab tools now offer mobile versions that you may use on the go.
Questions to Ask before Starting the Online Lab
Below are several inquiries you can ask your teacher or various other college employees if you’re worried about your online lab course outline.
Is a Syllabus Outline Available?
Some schools provide the course outline for evaluation, or in other cases, you can request a copy of the course from the academic department. Find out as much as you can about the resources you’ll need to buy and the assignments you’ll be doing in class.
Is There a Course Demonstration?
Demonstrations can provide information about the course content of the online science laboratory. For example, Oregon State University’s Ecampus includes an online training course multimedia display that shows students examples of virtual instruments used in the online laboratory.
How Will You be Graded?
There may be different types of assignments and tests in your online laboratory. Therefore, it is crucial to use laboratory kits, online simulations, and virtual laboratories to record your work. Learn what to anticipate from these tasks and how to present your work professionally.
Final Thoughts
Even a science laboratory, contrary to popular belief, can be a successful online course. These settings require a lot of coordination and usually multiple materials. But if you know how to prepare, you can get a valuable learning experience. Furthermore, take a moment to learn about the online laboratory courses at your institution, and don’t be afraid to avail this opportunity. Visit our website CollegeDegree.Education for more details.