The Future of Hands-On Learning: Transforming STEM Education with online learning

As educators, whether in K-12 schools, college classrooms, or home-schooling environments, one of the biggest challenges is providing students with meaningful, hands-on STEM learning experiences. Limited resources, safety concerns, and time constraints often make it challenging to give every student access to the rich learning opportunities labs provide.

Thankfully, digital simulations and virtual labs are leveling the playing field. These free, accessible resources empower educators and parents to incorporate real-world science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) into their physical or virtual classrooms.

This article will explore how tools like EiE Online, PhET Simulations, and other platforms are transforming education by increasing accessibility, fostering engagement, and expanding student equity.

Key Advantages for Educators and Parents: How Digital Simulations and Virtual Labs Revolutionize STEM Education

1. Increased Access to All: Traditional science labs often require expensive equipment, extensive setup, and trained instructors. Digital tools eliminate these barriers, making STEM exploration accessible to underfunded schools, home-schoolers, and remote learners. Platforms like EiE Online and LabXchange offer free resources, ensuring no student is excluded because of resource gaps.
2. Equity in Education: These tools allow every student, regardless of background, to explore cutting-edge STEM topics like renewable energy, genetics, and engineering design. Virtual labs are ideal for students with disabilities, providing accessible, adaptable learning environments.
3. Safety and Flexibility: Complex experiments, such as chemical reactions or electrical circuits, can now be explored in a safe, virtual space. Students can conduct experiments independently, repeating simulations to deepen their understanding.
4. Engaging and Gamified Learning: Simulations make abstract concepts concrete. For example, PhET's "Energy Skate Park" lets students see how kinetic and potential energy interact. Interactive and game-like interfaces captivate students, making STEM learning fun and engaging.

Top Resources to Explore

1. EiE Online Curricula (Boston Museum of Science)

• What It Offers: EiE brings engineering and STEM concepts to life through relatable, real-world challenges. The platform helps students learn the engineering design process in a hands-on, digital format. Includes plans and resources for at-home crafts and tools to complement online work (see the example lesson plan for an illustrated idea).
• Why It's Great for Home-Schooling and Classroom Use: The curriculum is structured, standards-aligned, and accessible, making it easy for educators to integrate engineering challenges into their lesson plans.
• Example Activity: Students can design a wind-powered water pump to explore renewable energy solutions.
• Example Lesson Plan:

Go Fish – Engineering Prosthetic Tails

Grade Level: Middle School (Grades 6–8) Subject: Biomechanics, Engineering, and Life Sciences Duration: Four 60-minute sessions

Overview

This lesson uses the EiE unit "Go Fish: Engineering Prosthetic Tails" from the Boston Museum of Science to teach students about biomechanics, engineering design, and problem-solving. Students will explore how prosthetics are designed to support animals in need while engaging in hands-on engineering activities.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this unit, students will:

1. Understand the role of biomechanics in prosthetic design.
2. Explore the engineering design process by designing and testing a prosthetic tail for a fish.
3. Analyze how materials and structure affect the function of a prosthetic.
4. Work collaboratively to solve a real-world problem.

Materials Needed

1. EiE Teacher Guide for "Go Fish: Engineering Prosthetic Tails" (accessible via EiE Online)
2. Craft supplies for prototyping (e.g., foam, string, pipe cleaners, plastic sheets, rubber bands)
3. Small toy fish models or printouts for experimentation
4. Water bins for testing prosthetics
5. Rulers, scissors, and measuring tools
6. Worksheets and observation charts (provided by EiE)

Lesson Outline

Session 1: Introduction to Biomechanics and Engineering Design

(Objective: Understand the problem and brainstorm solutions)

Hook Activity (10 minutes): Show a video or story of a real animal that uses a prosthetic (e.g., Winter the Dolphin or a dog with a prosthetic leg). Facilitate a discussion on why prosthetics are essential for both humans and animals.

Biomechanics Mini-Lecture (10 minutes): Explain how biomechanics applies to animals. Discuss forces, movement, and materials.

Engineering Design Process (10 minutes): Introduce the five-step engineering process: Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Improve.

Brainstorming Activity (30 minutes): Students work in teams to brainstorm ideas for a prosthetic fish tail. They document their ideas on the provided worksheets.

Session 2: Designing and Building Prototypes

(Objective: Translate ideas into physical designs)

Review Design Plans (10 minutes): Teams finalize their prosthetic tail designs.

Prototype Construction (50 minutes): Students create prototypes of prosthetic tails for toy fish using the provided craft materials.

Session 3: Testing and Analyzing Prototypes

(Objective: Test prototypes and evaluate performance)

Setup Testing Environment (10 minutes): Prepare water bins and explain how testing will work.

Testing Activity (30 minutes): Each team tests their prosthetic tail on the toy fish in water. Students record how well their design allows the fish to move and stay upright.

Data Analysis (20 minutes): Teams analyze test results and identify areas for improvement.

Session 4: Redesign and Reflection

(Objective: Refine designs and connect learning to real-world applications)

Redesign Prototypes (30 minutes): Based on test data, teams improve their designs and retest in the water bins.

Presentation and Reflection (30 minutes): Each team presents its final design, explaining its improvements and how it addressed challenges. Then, the team discusses how these skills might apply to human prosthetics or other engineering problems.

Assessment

1. Completion of engineering design worksheets and observation charts
2. Quality and functionality of the prototype (e.g., does it mimic natural fish movement?)
3. Team presentations that explain the design process, challenges, and final results

Extensions and Resources

1. Connecting with Experts: Partner with a local veterinarian or prosthetics expert to discuss real-world applications of these designs.
2. EiE Online Resources: You can access video guides, printable materials, and lesson extensions on EiE's online platform (EiE Online).
3. Interdisciplinary Learning: Integrate this project with lessons in biology (fish anatomy) and physics (forces and materials).

Advantages of This Lesson

1. Hands-On Learning: Students gain practical experience in crafting and testing their designs.
2. Interdisciplinary Approach: Combines engineering, physics, biology, and problem-solving skills.
3. Equity and Accessibility: Using affordable, easily accessible craft materials ensures that all schools and home-schoolers can participate.
4. 21st-Century Skills: Develop collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking essential for STEM careers.

Prosthetic Tail Design Testing Rubric

Purpose: To evaluate the performance and functionality of the prosthetic tail prototypes designed by students during the "Go Fish: Engineering Prosthetic Tail" unit.

This rubric considers three key aspects: Functionality, Design Process, and Teamwork & Presentation.

Scoring: Exemplary (4), Proficient (3), Developing (2), Needs Improvement (1)

Functionality

(4) The prosthetic tail mimics natural fish movement effectively and remains stable in water without tipping.

(3) The prosthetic tail provides some movement and remains mostly stable in water, with minor performance issues.

(2) The prosthetic tail moves inconsistently and shows moderate stability issues in the water.

(1) The prosthetic tail fails to move or stay stable in the water, or the design doesn't function.

Materials Use

(4) Ingenious use of materials that optimally balance flexibility and durability for tail movement.

(3) Materials are used effectively, with slight overuse or underuse that minimally impacts performance.

(2) Materials are used inconsistently, impacting functionality, flexibility, or durability.

(1) Materials could be used better, detracting from overall functionality and purpose.

Engineering Process

(4) Demonstrates apparent use of the engineering design process, including significant improvements from testing.

(3) Evidence of using the design process, with minor gaps in applying feedback from testing.

(2) Partial application of the design process, with limited improvement based on test results.

(1) Minimal or no evidence of following the design process, with little to no improvements.

Creativity & Innovation

(4) The design shows exceptional creativity and effectively addresses the unique challenges of fish anatomy.

(3) The design is creative, addressing challenges or anatomy in a standard manner.

(2) The design shows limited creativity and has room for improvement in addressing challenges.

(1) The design needs to be more creative and address unique challenges or fish anatomy.

Team Collaboration

(4) The team worked cohesively, with all members contributing equally to the design and construction process.

(3) The team worked together well, though some members contributed more than others.

(2) Teamwork was uneven, with several members contributing minimally.

(1) The team needed to collaborate more effectively, with most tasks completed by one or two members.

Presentation & Reflection

(4) The presentation clearly explains design choices, testing results, and improvements with excellent visuals.

(3) The presentation adequately explains design choices, testing results, and improvements with good visuals.

(2) The presentation briefly explains design or testing, with limited reflection or unclear visuals.

(1) The presentation does not adequately explain the design process or lacks visuals entirely.

Scoring

Total Possible Points: 24

Interpretation of Scores: 20–24: Excellent — The prototype and process demonstrate mastery of biomechanics and engineering concepts. 15–19: Good — The team shows solid understanding and execution, with room for minor improvements. 10–14: Fair — The project demonstrates some understanding but requires significant refinement. 0–9: Needs Improvement — Additional guidance and support are needed to strengthen knowledge and execution.

How to Use

1. During Testing: Observe and assess the functionality and materials used while students test their prototypes in water bins.
2. After Testing: Evaluate the engineering process, creativity, and collaboration based on worksheets and teacher observations.
3. Presentation Day: Use the rubric to assess each team's presentation, reflection, and problem-solving approach.

Tips for Feedback

1. Provide specific praise and constructive feedback for each criterion to help students understand their strengths and areas for growth.
2. Encourage teams to discuss how they could iterate on their design, even after final presentations, to mimic real-world engineering cycles.

Explore more here: EiE Online.

2. PhET Interactive Simulations (University of Colorado Boulder)

• What It Offers: PhET provides hundreds of free, interactive simulations across physics, biology, chemistry, and math, perfect for students from middle school to college.
• Why Educators Love It: It is intuitive and easy for students and teachers. Phet integrates seamlessly into lessons for pre-lab preparation or conceptual reinforcement.
• Example Activity: Use the Gravity Force Lab to help students understand Newton's law of universal gravitation.
• Example Lesson Plan:

Exploring Forces and Motion Using PhET Simulations

Grade Level: High School (Grades 9–12) Subject: Physics Duration: 60 minutes

Learning Objectives

1. By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
2. Understand the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration (Newton's Second Law of Motion).
3. Predict the effects of varying mass and force on an object's motion.
4. Apply critical thinking to solve problems involving real-world motion scenarios.

Materials Needed

1. Access to the PhET Simulation: Forces and Motion: Basics
2. Laptops or tablets with internet access
3. Projector or smartboard for teacher demonstrations
4. Student worksheets (provided below)

Lesson Outline

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

Engage: Begin with a class discussion about forces in everyday life (e.g., pushing a cart or driving a car). Ask students to share examples and explain what might affect the motion in these scenarios.

Explain: Briefly introduce Newton's Second Law (F = ma) and the concepts of force, mass, and acceleration. Use simple examples like pushing objects of different weights.

2. Simulation Exploration (30 minutes)

Demonstration (5 minutes): Show students the PhET Forces and Motion simulation on the projector and walk them through its features, including adjusting the applied force, object mass, and friction.

Independent Exploration (20 minutes): Students work individually or in pairs to complete the simulation activities in their worksheets. Key tasks include:

1. Applying different forces to an object and observing changes in motion.
2. Experiment with varying object masses to see how they affect acceleration.
3. Analyzing the effect of friction on motion.

Guided Questions: Encourage students to answer questions like:

1. "What happens to acceleration when you increase the force but keep the mass constant?"
2. "How does friction impact the motion of an object on a surface?"

3. Group Reflection (10 minutes)

1. Students share their observations and discuss any patterns they notice.
2. The teacher summarizes key concepts and clarifies any misunderstandings.

Assessment

1. Complete the worksheet with simulation activities and answers to guided questions.
2. Optional: Students write a short paragraph explaining how they might apply these principles in a real-world context (e.g., designing a skateboard or car braking systems).

Student Worksheet (Example Tasks and Questions)

Explore Force and Mass

1. Set the mass of the object to 5 kg. Apply a force of 10 N. Record the acceleration.
2. Increase the mass to 10 kg. Apply the same force. Record the acceleration.
3. Question: What relationship do you notice between mass, force, and acceleration?

Friction Exploration

1. Select "Friction On" in the simulation. Push the object with a force of 15 N.
2. Adjust the friction slider and observe how it impacts motion.
3. Question: How does friction affect the object's acceleration?

Open-Ended Scenario

Imagine designing a sled for icy terrain. Using your findings, describe how you would optimize force, mass, and friction to ensure smooth motion.

Try It Here: PhET Simulations

3. LabXchange (Harvard University)

• What It Offers: LabXchange is a free platform combining virtual labs, interactive pathways, and video tutorials to teach complex STEM concepts.
• Why It's Perfect for Equity: LabXchange connects students to cutting-edge science and technology that might otherwise only be accessible in elite universities. Free, high-quality resources ensure that all learners can access advanced educational tools regardless of geographic or financial constraints.
• Example Activities:

1. DNA Sequencing Simulation: Teach DNA sequencing through LabXchange's immersive lab simulations, allowing students to "solve" real-world genetic puzzles. For example, explore the Data Science and Biotechnology cluster, supported by DoD STEM, which links topics like statistics, probability, and data science with high school-level biotechnology concepts. This cluster fosters interdisciplinary learning by integrating computational thinking into biology.
2. "Crack the Circuit" Virtual Builder: Dive into electronics education with Crack the Circuit by Universe & More, hosted on LabXchange. This gamified tool enables students to explore series, parallel, and short circuits in an interactive, engaging way. Through hands-on gameplay, learners can build, test, and troubleshoot circuits, helping to demystify complex electrical concepts while fostering technical skills essential for future innovation.

Try It Here: Visit LabXchange to explore a range of free STEM resources, including simulations, gamified activities, and interactive pathways like Crack the Circuit, designed to inspire curiosity and ignite a passion for STEM learning in students.

4. Physics Simulators (MyPhysicsLab & Algodoo)

• What They Offer: Intuitive platforms where students can explore physical laws through interactive simulations and design challenges.
• Why It's a Great Fit: It is perfect for beginners and advanced learners. It helps students design their challenges, sparking creativity and engineering skills.
• Example Activity: Encourage students to build a virtual rollercoaster in Algodoo and analyze energy transformations.

Try Them Here: MyPhysicsLab; Algodoo

1. Start Small: Introduce one or two simulations aligned with your current curriculum to avoid overwhelming students.
2. Blended Learning: Combine virtual simulations with real-world activities when possible. For example, after exploring the "Gravity Force Lab" on PhET, simple materials like weights and strings can test gravity's pull in a physical lab.
3. Encourage Self-Paced Exploration: Let students work through simulations at their own pace, encouraging them to ask questions and document discoveries.
4. Integrate Reflection: Assign students to write journals or discuss how simulations connect to real-world phenomena.
5. Share the Tools at Home: Home-schooling parents and educators can provide access links and guided activities for students to explore independently or with family.

Empowering the Future Through STEM Education

By integrating digital simulations and virtual labs, educators and home-schooling parents can offer transformative learning experiences that were once limited by access and resources. Tools like EiE Online, PhET Simulations, LabXchange, and Physics Simulators ensure that every student, regardless of background, can explore, create, and innovate in STEM.

As we prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century, let's harness the power of technology to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong passion for learning.