Lower secondary school students' attitudes toward computer supported laboratory exercises

Abstract

In Science teaching laboratory work is recognized as one of the cornerstones. In school science laboratory work computers can be used as computer supported laboratory (real) and as virtual laboratory. In the first case "real" laboratories involve bench top experiments utilizing data acquisition systems while "virtual" laboratory entails interactive simulations and animations. Lower secondary school students in age between 11 and 15 performed three laboratory exercises (Activity of yeast, Gas exchange in breathing, Heart rate) as classic, computer supported and virtual laboratory. As a result of testing we know that all three methods are suitable even for younger students. When they were asked which method they liked the most, their first choice was computer supported laboratory, followed by classic laboratory, and virtual laboratory at the end. Additionally recognized weak and strong sides of used methods are discussed. © 2009 by MIPRO.