Chemistry video lab sufficient for credit? Or need hands-on lab?

[ssbmem]

If you only do video lab (for example, DIVE Chemistry), can you put "Chemistry with lab, 1 credit" on your transcript?

[Chris in VA]

I wouldn't, but I'm not sure if you *could*.

[Julie in MN]

I wouldn't, but I'm not sure if you *could*.

:iagree:

[April in CA]

If equipment is an issue for you, could you do some of the labs from Apologia (assuming you are using that text with DIVE syllabus as we are) and also watch the DIVE labs? I have collected lots of lab equipment over the years because I think Labs are the best part of science, but you don't need lots of equipment to get the concepts. (although it does help if students get to use "real" lab equipment as much as possible). Many of the Apologia labs are deceptively simple - you can really learn lots of good stuff from them. And the DIVE labs are cool - we are doing many of them at home in addition to watching them. Some of the DIVE labs are data manipulations, whcih help solidify concepts even without using actual chemicals. I would really try to make hands-on labs happen as much as you can -they really spark an interest in the subject!
Blessings and Merry Christmas!
April

[EKS]

Watching is not the same as doing. IMHO, that is.

Have you looked at LabPaqs? They are specifically made to be used at home and to accompany high school and college courses.

[Julie of KY]

Calling it a "lab" on a transcript implies a traditional definition (hands-on lab). If you put this on a transcript, I'd call it a video-based lab or something else. I don't think it is equivalent.

[Lori D.]

High schools and colleges specifically require a certain number of "lab science" credits for graduation (high school) or entrance (college). Yes, you *can* do your chemistry just as a video -- BUT -- without the hands-on, data collection, experimentation/analysis portion, you cannot call it a lab science. Your chemistry can be a science credit, but NOT a LAB SCIENCE credit, which is really what is needed.


Here is the NSTA definition of a lab science:

"A hallmark of science is that it generates theories and laws that must be consistent with observations. Much of the evidence from these observations is collected during laboratory investigations. A school laboratory investigation (also referred to as a lab) is defined as an experience in the laboratory, classroom, or the field that provides students with opportunities to interact directly with natural phenomena or with data collected by others using tools, materials, data collection techniques, and models.

Throughout the process, students should have opportunities to design investigations, engage in scientific reasoning, manipulate equipment, record data, analyze results, and discuss their findings. These skills and knowledge, fostered by laboratory investigations, are an important part of inquiry—the process of asking questions and conducting experiments as a way to understand the natural world. While reading about science, using computer simulations, and observing teacher demonstrations may be valuable, they are not a substitute for laboratory investigations by students."

-- National Science Teachers Association = http://www.nsta.org/about/positions/laboratory.aspx


Hope that helps! BEST of luck! Warmly, Lori D.

[KAR120C]

IMO, lab experience includes all of the tedious stuff that a video just can't include. Things like washing your glassware so it's not completely encrusted with ick the next time you need it. Or things like measuring... and remeasuring... and remeasuring.... until it's exactly the right amount. Or adjusting the microscope without plowing your lens right through the middle of your slide. Or figuring out from experience that you don't pour straight from a full gallon jug into a 10mL tube or it's going all over the counter. :glare:

The labs aren't just about finding out what happens, but also about how careful you have to be, and how to use the equipment, and cleaning up after yourself. All the things they really will have to do in college, when the instructor isn't going to want to have to stand over them for every little bit, saying "didn't you learn how to do this in high school?"

It's like the difference between watching the Food Network vs. actually producing reliably tasty meals without setting fire to the kitchen.