Online chemistry experiments are a new concept for the students at PALCS, but how will it be done?

For the beginning of this school year the school purchased a new Advanced Chemistry text from Model Science, a Canadian Software Company. Along with the text came a program that several colleges and high schools have been using for a few years – a virtual chemistry laboratory.

While some people may question the educational accuracy of a virtual lab, chemistry teacher Charles Goebel is confident with the program.

“The virtual lab is much safer and will help students concentrate on the task at hand,” Goebel said.

Although school has been in session for three weeks, the virtual lab hasn’t been made available to students yet. Goebel hopes to have the lab available soon and plans to begin with some introductory experiments provided with the program.

While students in the Advanced Chemistry class will have access to the most advanced virtual chemistry lab available, kids in Chemistry and Conceptual Chemistry will have what Goebel calls “one step back.”

The program has won several awards and has received high reviews from places such as The New York Times and CNet. In 2002 it was Tech TV Network’s software pick and Software Seeker’s Editor’s Pick.

Students around the school can’t wait to begin with the experiments.

“I'm very excited about it. I was home schooled from kindergarten through fifth grade and then in sixth grade I switched to charter school,” said Heidi Dries, a tenth grade Chemistry student.

“I never really got the chance to have a chem lab that I could do experiments with, so it is something new to me altogether,” she said.

With safety being such a big issue these days, many believe virtual chemistry is a wonderful idea.

“It’s a great way to do chemistry. Not exposing yourself to chemicals is always a good thing,” Goebel said.

For more information on the virtual chemistry lab you can contact Goebel, or visit the company’s website by clicking here.