Can Science Be Taught Online?

Ideas for learning and teaching biology without a laboratory

As universities move classes online, some science disciplines can transition from physical to virtual classroom more easily than others. Biology is challenging, especially in the courses I teach that focus on cells, molecules and genes. Here are some ‘out of the laboratory’ options for educators to consider.

Virtual laboratories

These are often used when the real experience is not possible due to restrictions on access to equipment, costs or time. Virtual laboratories can provide a quality learning experience — remember pilots do some practice in flight simulators! Some options, such as Labster, have a cost. Others are free.

My students have used virtual laboratories for a number of molecular biology experiments, to rapidly breed virtual fruit flies when investigating how traits are inherited, and to simulate large numbers of organisms for population genetics. These options allow students to obtain large data sets and perform experiments not possible in real life. Free options for studying Drosophila genetics and population genetics also exist.

Other free virtual laboratories I use include a karyotype activity where students look at stained human chromosomes and a bacterial ID activity that teaches the steps used to identify an organism using molecular methods.

Experiments at home

There are some experiments that students can conduct at home. My students have isolated strawberry DNA in their online classes. And a class experiment on the properties of enzymes using rennin (found in Junket tablets) or bromelain (from pineapples) works similarly when performed at home with plastic cups replacing laboratory glassware.

Making fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, can compliment discussion on how microbial communities change over time. Students can even make a pH indicator from red cabbage to test the pH at different time points. Similarly, many resources demonstrate how to prepare a Winogradsky column at home and time lapse videos can prompt discussion.

Citizen science

A variety of citizen science projects exist for students to participate in that may complement the curriculum. Foldit gamifies protein folding with a current challenge aiming to identify possible antivirals that may be used for COVID-19 therapy. A range of other projects provide context for practicing observation skills including collecting information from historical records and wildlife cameras, or by taking an iphone outside to record pollinators. A list of current projects is available from the Australian Citizen Science Association.

Change the emphasis

Laboratory work frequently focuses on methodologies and recording results with less time for analysis and discussion. Students may encounter new techniques or use specialised equipment as they practice the scientific method. However, not all practical techniques need mastering to become a scientist.

Without access to the laboratory, students may learn about a technique through resources such as JoVE. This peer-reviewed and PubMed indexed video journal publishes high quality demonstrations of methodologies. Students can be provided with experimental data and more time spent on its analysis. Learning to use bioinformatic tools is an obvious alternative to some in class experiments.

There is often a call to improve the communication skills of scientists. Outside of the traditional laboratory students can learn by taking their knowledge of a concept and communicating it through a different medium, such as by producing a model or infographic. In one of my classes, a student learnt about the protein RNA polymerase by accessing 3D structure online and space filling it to create a design that could be 3D printed.

Laboratory replacements need not be lesser substitutes

Not all scientists work in research laboratories. Many options for teaching students how to practice science exist outside the classroom laboratory. Replacements for in-class experiments need not be lesser substitutes, and as COVID-19 restrictions force our transition to online science teaching, I expect we will identify many quality alternatives.