Simulations have also been around for a while when it comes to STEM learning. One new player in the field is labster.com, a Danish company that specializes in creating modules for learning important concepts in bilolgy, chemistry, engineering, and physics (at least at this moment in time).
Labster combines the elements of story telling, lab and experiment, and visualization and manipulation of microscopic elements. For example, the narrative may be a criminal case where the participant collects relevant evidence, takes it to a lab, where the participant uses simulations of expensive, fully functional lab equipment for analyses, and then gets immersed into these analyses to see the elements and actions of atoms, molecules, genetic material, etc.
The narration and simulation create an authentic learning experience, while the experience of swimming between molecules visualizes this otherwise invisible level of science.
The research so far conducted indicates a higher number of students successfully learning complex science material. The look and feel of a game may make it easier for many of the students to be comfortable moving through this environment.
The online content can be viewed and interacted with through one of these devices.
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| Wiebke in a virtual lab |
What other educational simulations have you seen that could become game changers?
