Science Learning with Virtual Experiments

Abstract

This symposium explores multiple perspectives on integrating virtual experiments in science education. The papers report on virtual experiments as replacements for physical experiments or as supplements to physical experiments at several educational levels (i.e., preschool, middle school, and university) and for varied learning objectives. The six papers in the symposium analyze ways to design guidance and scaffolding for virtual laboratories; illustrate how virtual experiments could supplement physical experiments in a school science lesson; and assess how a combination of virtual and physical experiments affects learning. The symposium includes an interactive discussion of the implications of virtual experiments for the future of science education.