SchoolsVirtual Lab
Engaging schools in bench research
Virtual Lab is an interactive web-based platform - developed by the PEMG Facility - that allows anyone, anywhere in the world, to participate in real biomedical research online. The aim of the website is to increase confidence among young people to discuss science; to provide experiences in support of their university applications and career development.
Students become Virtual Apprentice Scientists and explore contemporary research questions, which are linked to the National Curriculum. Virtual Lab experiments and activities are designed for use in a variety of educational contexts, from school lessons to after school clubs. Students can engage with the investigation on their own or through an organised workshop in school.
Two pilot experiments have been carried out to test the platform and evaluate its usage and enrichment through the Virtual Lab Ambassador Scheme. In 2010, local schools helped scientists in the Cell Cycle and Lymphocyte Development groups at the MRC Clinical Sciences Centre to investigate mitosis and stem cells.
Early-career MRC scientists were trained to take the Virtual Lab stem cells pilot into schools. They ran workshops to engage students in the experiment and associated activities. A range of supporting resources have been developed for the stem cells pilot experiment, including downloadable classroom activities and a Teacher Handbook which provides information about how to use the experiment and resources.
The Virtual Lab resources
For more information, contact Emma Newall on: virtual@imperial.ac.uk or 0208 383 8247.
Visit the Virtual Lab website
Two pilot experiments have been carried out to test the platform and evaluate its usage and enrichment through the Virtual Lab Ambassador Scheme. In 2010, local schools helped scientists in the Cell Cycle and Lymphocyte Development groups at the MRC Clinical Sciences Centre to investigate mitosis and stem cells.
Early-career MRC scientists were trained to take the Virtual Lab stem cells pilot into schools. They ran workshops to engage students in the experiment and associated activities. A range of supporting resources have been developed for the stem cells pilot experiment, including downloadable classroom activities and a Teacher Handbook which provides information about how to use the experiment and resources.
The Virtual Lab resources
- Virtual Lab information for schools (PDF)
- Very Special Cells Teacher Handbook (PDF)
- A presentation for teaching with full notes (Powerpoint)
- Lesson plans for GCSE and post 16 experiments (PDF)
- The Stem Cell Grid; a decision making and discussion based classroom activity (PDFs)
- Stem cell image (PDF)
- A video interview with Dr Cynthia Fisher
For more information, contact Emma Newall on: virtual@imperial.ac.uk or 0208 383 8247.
Visit the Virtual Lab website
