Virtual Laboratory for Elementary Students

Abstract

Experiment-based science learning for elementary school children in Indonesia is constrained by infrastructure. Only a few elementary schools have integrated laboratories, which led to science-based thematic learning mostly limited to conceptual or theoretical. The solution offered by this article is the use of a virtual laboratory (VLab-“little scientist”) designed specifically for elementary school students. The little scientist simulates several types of basic experiments using attractive, colorful, and simple visual displays that are easily understood by the young learner. The Virtual Lab-little scientist was developed using the RnD method and operated using screen-based hardware like PC or Mobilephone. The VLab-little scientist was tested on 4th and 5th graders of Elementary School. The test results that the utilization of virtual labs is able to improve students’ science process skills. Students were able to experiment with real equipment, after using the VLab-little scientist. Subsequent development needs to consider the elementary school science curriculum and further test to explore the effectiveness of using virtual lab.