May 30, 2024
Shawnee State University’s Noah Nichols presented his project studying the utilization of virtual laboratories in high school science classrooms during this year’s Celebration of Scholarship conference. The Adolescent-to-Young Adult Integrated Science Education major received the Library Research Award for his work, “Science Simulations for Secondary Schools: How Virtual Laboratories Can Affect Classroom Enthusiasm and Motivation Regarding Science”.
“As many students are not engaged with science and do not see how it relates to their lives, it is important to seek ways to reengage them and show them how critical science is to their lives – as well as how intriguing it can be,” said Nichols.
In his student teaching classroom, Nichols trialed using virtual laboratories in classrooms.
“As physical laboratories are a staple of the science classroom, they are typically the usual response to help engage students,” he said. “Unfortunately, physical laboratories can face a variety of monetary and temporal issues.”
Throughout his project, Nichols measured the effectiveness of virtual laboratories and how it pertained to student enthusiasm for the subject material.
“It was found that some students enjoyed taking part in virtual laboratories; however, other students were not as enamored with them,” he said. “The importance of determining virtual laboratories which matched the level of a teacher’s students was spotlighted, and the potential of virtual laboratories as a tool for differentiation in the classroom was elaborated upon in great detail.”
Seeing his research recognized by the Clark Memorial Library, Nichols felt it supported the importance of student-led research in academic settings.
“I am glad that research is being put at the forefront, especially since research is of utmost importance as it pertains to learning more about many different topics,” he said. “Receiving this award has reaffirmed that I was able to represent the Education and Science faculty in a positive manner. I am hopeful that this award stands as a representation which emphasizes the continued excellence which faculty members from both departments strive to instill in students at Shawnee State.”
Presenting his research during the annual Trustees Session of Celebration of Scholarship, Nichols was grateful to be provided an opportunity to not only share his project but listen to other students’ projects as well.
“By presenting, you are fulfilling your role as a member of the academic community in a fulfilling, interactive manner,” he said. “Even if you do not wish to present, you can still take part and actively listen to presenters. By participating in this manner, you are allowing presenters to discuss their ideas and spread their important findings regarding a myriad of issues.”
To learn more about the annual Celebration of Scholarship conference at Shawnee State University, visit shawnee.edu/cos.