Using simulations to support student learning outcomes in interactive and engaging lab experiences

Learning in both the classroom and the lab requires a social construction of knowledge to develop both content and scientific skill mastery. One challenge, however, is the disconnect that has been seen between students' understanding of abstract concepts taught in the classroom with the real-world experiences in the lab. Our research on students' use of simulations in concert with hands-on equipment demonstrates similar learning outcomes as with hands-on equipment alone. These results suggest a strategy for providing students more modes of interaction and engagement with the material. In doing so, the hope is to provide effective learning tools for an increasing range of diverse student backgrounds. Existing simulations and activities created by our Boston University PER group and others will be shared as examples and models for the developed work.