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Teachers should use digital technologies to support and enhance practical experience, but not to replace it.

7 Real experiments and virtual enhancements

7. Real experiments and virtual enhancements

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Give students further insight into random sampling, measuring populations and the recording of complex data sets.

Learning and practicing techniques used in practical science

Using technology to find the speed of an object

Measuring speed

Using QR codes to enhance practical science by providing reminders of how to assemble apparatus, carry out a procedure or to remind users of hazards and how to minimise risks.

Quick response (QR) codes

Using wireless sensors with software apps for a cost-effective and accessible method of collecting data.

Wireless sensors

Video analysis as an alternative to traditional methods of investigating motion in the classroom.

Video analysis

Digital technology can provide simple and inexpensive tools for developing an understanding of waves as a means of transferring energy.

Sound investigations

Using a mobile device to photograph an image through a microscope can be used as a stepping stone to becoming an independent and confident microscope user.

Microscopy

Good practical science should include a variety of types of investigation and locations. Digital technology can support activities that involve outdoor work and observations over time, without being disruptive to school routines. 

Collecting remote data

Use time lapse photography to record changes and then analyse the speeded-up film rather than direct observations.

Time lapse photography

7 Real experiments and virtual enhancements (collecting data guidance)

Collecting Data

Annotate photographs to ensure important details are not forgotten or overlooked.

Annotating pictures

There are a wide range of commercial lab book software solutions available, but at school level a simple note taking app is sufficient.

Keep a lab book

Google forms provides a simple means of collating a large number of sets of data, speedily and without some of the problems encountered when students each transcribe their own data onto a display board.

Collecting data sets

There is no longer a need for clipboards and pencils in the field, as digital technology can record details of observations, times, location and images within a single app

Recording field work

7 Real experiments and virtual enhancements (handling data)

Handling data

Providing access to a published database of results can provide a richer learning experience for students as they can place their findings in a wider context.

Published data resources

Some topics are difficult to teach and may benefit from providing additional contexts, so helping students make links between the topic and the wider picture.

Unfamiliar contexts

Using virtual reality technology, it is possible to supplement a field trip with observations from other sites, to broaden the context studied.

Virtual reality

In a school context, IoT can be used in school science to compare data from across the world.

Internet of Things

7 Real experiments and virtual enhancements (broadening the context)

Broadening the context

A sequence of recorded images displayed as a collage, with annotations added, is a simple and quick way to communicate procedures and findings to others. It

Collage

Using a digital record rather than paper based record allows the automation of certain functions, such as date stamping or text searching, and also enables data processing and reporting to be completed more effectively.

Blog

Animations require students to make models that explain how a process takes place.

Animations

Using digital technology to record and then provide access to verbal feedback saves the teacher valuable lesson time and can be replayed by the student at will.