In this post, we provide an overview of how Ladderane allows you to create your virtual chemistry experiments or modify the existing ones.
Once your Gmail account has been activated, you can use it to log in. This takes you to the dashboard. Here, you will see a list of your virtual experiments, once you create them.
You can create your own lab, by clicking on "create a new lab".
This page provides all the glassware and set-up needed for chemistry experiments. Make sure to name your experiment and save it. "Edit Items" lets you choose the glassware and chemicals needed for your reaction. "Edit setup" is for setups such as vacuum filtration, distillation, titration, etc. You can also choose various instruments such as IR, NMR, etc. If you need a specific glassware or set-up, just let us know and we'll add it. "Edit story" is where you can define what happens at each step.
You can then upload the lab manual and any spectra using "upload"
No time to create your virtual experiment from scratch? Not a problem. That is why we have created the Gallery, which includes pre-made experiments. We are constantly creating new experiments and updating the gallery. You can preview each experiment by clicking on "preview". If you want to use the experiment, just click on "Use", to add the experiment to your dashboard. You can either use the experiment as is or use it with minor modifications. For example, you can change the name of reagents, upload different spectra, add a video or change the questions. However, keep in mind that you probably will need to change the lab manual as well and upload a new one to match the changes you have made. We would also be happy to help you with modifying the experiments to address your goals.
This customization feature is ideal for team work and group discussion. For example, two different versions of the same experiment could be created so half of students complete one experiment, while the other half complete the second version. Students can then discuss, compare and contrasts results in discussion boards or in-class discussion.
You could also divide students in groups of 3-4. Each team member could complete a unique version of the experiment. The team members will then discuss their results and write one lab report as a group, while learning team work skills.
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