A Scientific Content Creator’s Take on Why Environmental Science Is Her Favorite Labster Course Package

Labster has over 300+ virtual labs, and the best way to utilize the labs on offer is through course packages. These are subject-specific packages that are a great way to explore and complement the content that is covered for your course. Out of all the Labster course packages, Environmental Sciences is one of my favorites. 

I joined Labster as a Scientific Content Creator to help make science accessible and inspiring for all students. Prior to joining Labster, I worked in schools and with an environmental charity making content. Since joining Labster I have worked on various simulations aimed at high school students across our biology, chemistry, and physics courses. For example, I have worked on elements and compounds, measurements and uncertainty, and osmosis, helping to make these simulations accessible.

As a former Agriculture major and someone who has also taken environmental science courses, it is exciting to see how virtual labs and environmental content complement each other so well. So, let me tell you why Environmental Science is my favorite Labster course package.

Nature becomes accessible

Students from any geographical location can have access to different environmental locations both real and fictional (like Astakos IV, the extraterrestrial planet where students learn all about ecological niches and how to collect soil samples). Access to nature can be a barrier to developing new skills within the environmental science field, as some students may not have the same physical or financial means to explore a wide range of habitats. 

Because our virtual labs are accessible, it is a great way to inspire a diverse range of students. This will give a wider opportunity for students to participate in environmental science and prepare them to pursue STEM careers and contribute to solving the current environmental problems.    

Apply and develop new scientific skills 

The range of topics offered from eutrophication to the carbon cycle), provides a great opportunity to develop, apply and practice new skills. Students can explore complex systems, practice identifying and classifying different species and experiment with data analysis. 

Within the environmental science course package, the same skills can be applied multiple times in different situations. This helps students to refine what they have learned and helps to increase their confidence that they understand key scientific concepts. This is essential for making better-informed decisions needed to creatively develop solutions. And scientists with environmental skills can contribute to habitat restoration, species management, conservation efforts, and the sustainability of our ecosystems.

Freedom to explore different contexts

The diversity of simulations within this course package gives learners an excellent chance to explore scientific concepts and laboratory and field techniques across many different environmental scenarios. Students are encouraged to question and investigate different ideas, theories and perform a wide range of tests that promote a deep understanding of the subject in context-specific scenes. Whether exploring the impacts of climate change on ecosystems or studying the chemical processes involved in wastewater treatment, students will have the chance to use their skills and knowledge to think critically about complex environmental challenges across different contexts.

Opportunity to solve real-world environmental problems

Studying these topics allows students to develop knowledge already acquired in chemistry, biology, and physics and apply it to real-world global challenges, such as climate change and biodiversity loss. This interdisciplinary approach provides a unique opportunity for students to connect the dots between various fields of study and see the bigger picture. Or this can be the beginning of an open dialogue about how to design sustainable and environmentally conscious systems for the future. 

I think our virtual labs are a gateway for exploring and understanding the world around us. Labster’s Environmental Science course package, in particular, offers insight into the natural world. As a Labster scientific content creator, I am excited to see how this course package will evolve along with developments in this exciting field of science. 

Learn more about Labster's Scientific Content Creators!