A question that has plagued many a teacher in regards to their classroom. We want to give our students as much hands on experience as we possibly can in order to provide them with real world working knowledge about their content area or respective fields. For example, an anatomy class will want to do multiple dissections of different organs such as the brain, the heart, and even a whole organism so that students can have hands on experience with the body's systems. Another example would be in a general science classroom most students will be given a lecture about certain processes within a cell, maybe be shown a video or look at some slides but that's it for the hands on portion.
However, with increasingly limited budgets and a classroom environment that may lend to a more kind nature (in some respects), many schools are leaning towards online simulations. The simulations provide the same outcome as having a true hands on experience, just presented in a different format. I am going to offer 3 simulations that you could incorporate into your own science classroom:
1) Froguts (a Bio-elearning Co.) (BIOLOGY/ ANATOMY)- This is a company that has created a plethora of different simulations including frog, fetal pig, squid, starfish, and even peas and flies for Mendelian genetics. They offer two different tracts, depending on grade level, they have the general Froguts dissections for 7-12 or they offer the Froguts Science Adventure Series for k-6. This company has multiple components to their simulations including narration, physical dissection using the mouse and key pad, as well as assessments after each section covered. This site does require a yearly membership in order to access it of $299, but that is for the year and allows for up to 300 logins per day and can be used by the whole school. This is a great option as an alternative assignment for students who do not want or do not feel comfortable with a real dissection in the classroom.
http://www.froguts.com/store/school.html
http://www.froguts.com/store/school.html
2) Edheads Virtual Knee Replacement Surgery (ANATOMY)- This simulation is great for any student or adult interested in surgery. Edheads provides quite a few types of surgery including knee replacement, hip replacement, and even deep brain stimulation. This simulation includes narration and hands on (using the mouse) steps including swabbing, suturing, and even dislocation. This simulation does require some manual dexterity with the mouse due to having some level of precision during the different surgeries. It also offers a few diagnostics questions in the beginning about the patient and certain tools or tests. This simulation is free for anyone to access through the Edheads website. http://www.edheads.org/activities/knee/index.shtml
3) Becoming Human (EVOLUTION)- This simulation is a little different in the fact is is called an interactive documentary. It follows the evolution of human over 4 million years, with certain parts being annotated. students can download, or view on the site, the documentary and explore areas in more depth that they want to learn about. There are 4 main areas for exploration including evidence, anatomy, lineage, and culture. Each segment has a documentary portion and a segment at the bottom with related exhibit information. This simulation is free and is offered in English, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, and Sinhala languages. This simulation does require broadband to be usable. http://www.becominghuman.org/node/interactive-documentary
Adding a simulation to the classroom is a great way to incorporate a more student-centered, hands on approach if you are unable to or wish to provide a different type of learning assignment in your classroom.