Simulations

Online simulations have been a huge asset to me over the past several years. I consistently use PhET Simulations from University of Colorado. They always seem to load and the kids can easily figure them out. Mos often I use these to introduce new units as it gives the kids a chance to play with the concept and see how the different variable change outcome without having to get into the true science of it. One thing that also impresses me is how often they add new simulations. I like their physics based ones best, but the biology ones are even starting to prove useful. Another simulator of sorts that I have used, but not a huge fan of is the McDougal Littell Virtual Labs that came with our latest curriculum. The labs are decent to bring kids up to speed that may have missed a lab in class, but I really could not see using the virtual lab in replacement of a true lab. It is nice that a majority of the labs they have on their virtual list are ones that are not typically done in high school because of time or budget constraints. In the past I have done the Breeding Fruit Flies virtual lab, which sure beets having fruit flies buzzing all around the room/school.
My one fear with these improved simulators and labs is that we will enter a time when all kids will have to do is log on to a science site and do these labs and simulators in order to earn science credit. These can be useful tools, but can also lead to lazy science if not kept in check.