Homeschool science is one of those love/hate type of subjects. Some love to get hands-on and do all of the messy work themselves. Others, like me, don’t have time for all of that. If you find the idea of science labs daunting, I have the greatest hack for you that will revolutionize your homeschool. Virtual science labs for homeschool.
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Yes, such a beautiful thing exists. You can read about How Virtual Homeschool Labs Saved My Homeschool Year, but this post is all about 10 great reasons YOU should use them in your homeschool.
Reason #1: No Lab Equipment Required
Don’t you hate when your science curriculum calls for ten different pieces of lab equipment that you will use for one experiment? What is even worse is that equipment ends up living on your homeschool shelf for all eternity, or at least a few years.
With virtual science labs absolutely NO Equipment is required! Hold on, maybe I lied. No lab equipment is required. You do need a computer and internet connection for online labs, because they are, well, online. I will assume that if you homeschool you have those things anyway.
Reason #2: Virtual Science Labs Can Travel With You
Where are all my road-schoolers at? Virtual science labs are perfect for homeschooling on the road. Online virtual labs are easy to pack up and take with you, since there’s only a computer and internet connection required. The flexibility of online labs means that your kids have no excuse for not completing science requirements as your family explores all of the wide open spaces.
Reason #3: You Are Not Stuck With One Homeschool Curriculum
Virtual science labs can be used with any homeschool curriculum available. You don’t have to go by the book to use these labs. That means that if you are thinking about switching homeschool curriculum, you can.
You can follow lessons in any science curriculum, and do the labs online. Win, win. If you want to do an entirely online homeschool science program, then I highly recommend Greg Landry’s Homeschool Science Membership.
Reason #4: Online Science Labs for Homeschool Get the Job Done
Some kids are not science minded and just not interested in the subject. That’s okay. We are all uniquely gifted and adequately equipped with what we need to pursue our passions in life.
Kids that aren’t into science thrive with online labs. They are able to check the box of required highschool subjects, like biology or chemistry, without making a huge time investment in a subject of no interest to them. Don’t worry, they still get a fully interactive lab experience and even learn how to write lab reports. It’s just completed with less intensity (and tears) than hands-on labs.
Reason #5: Virtual Labs are Interactive and Thorough
After reading reason #4, you may be left with the impression that virtual science labs are only for the non-sciencey homeschoolers. Totally not the case!
Virtual science labs create an immersive, interactive lab experience that all homeschoolers love. You can use an academically rigorous homeschool science curriculum, like Greg Landry’s College Prep courses with virtual labs.
Reason #6: No Science Teacher Required
As homeschool parents we have to become experts in so many subjects. Well, we have to at least have a basic knowledge of many academic topics. One of the best parts of utilizing virtual science labs for homeschool is that you don’t have to know how to run a science experiment to have a successful lab class.
Having expert instruction guiding our kids through each lab is a weight off this homeschool mom’s shoulders. I don’t know about you, but it is so nice to be able to outsource and get quality instruction for my kids.
Reason #7: Virtual Labs are Cheaper than a Tutor
Homeschooling is an investment in our kids’ future. But many of us give up careers and income to homeschool our kids. There are times when we need to find ways to homeschool for free or really cheap.
Virtual labs and science classes are a great way to provide professional instruction at a fraction of the cost of a science tutor.
As someone who is not very interested in science, the virtual labs have been a worthwhile investment. I don’t have to oversee science labs, and I don’t have to pay a tutor either. This is the perfect scenario to me and so many other homeschool moms.
Reason #8: Virtual Labs are Accessible for All Learners
Making education accessible for all kids, no matter their abilities, is a subject that I am super passionate about. Virtual science labs bridge a gap for learners that may need extra support to succeed in science labs. Interactive online labs don’t require fine motor skills beyond moving a computer mouse, and students can take as long as they need to complete an assignment.
Boosting curiosity and self confidence is a huge benefit of taking the science labs virtual. Homeschooling success for all kids is the goal, and virtual science labs are an excellent path to accessible education for all homeschoolers.
Reason #9: Self Paced Learning
Homeschooling is all about crafting a custom education to each student’s needs. Virtual labs are self paced. If you want to take extra time to experiment with a topic? Go for it. Just want to get it done and move on? That works too. You have the freedom to choose the pace of your labs, or even repeat a favorite experiment.
Reason #10: No Real Fire Alarms in Virtual Labs
I saved the best for last with this one. Safety is my main reason to use virtual science labs. If you are less than confident about running a chemistry lab in your kitchen, then I’m your people.
In the virtual chemistry lab, you can mix chemicals and cause explosions, um er, chemical reactions. There are virtual fire alarms and everything. No need to stand by with a fire extinguisher as you watch your precious but clumsy teen knock over a bunsen burner.
Let them have fun blowing up a virtual lab. And you can keep your eyebrows.
Have you tried virtual science labs for homeschool? We love them here at My Homeschool with a View. If you resonate with any of the above reasons, I highly encourage you to discover Greg Landry’s Homeschool Science Labs.