Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (or STEM, for short) are a vital part of any curriculum, as students prepare for jobs of the future, from computer programming to quantum physics.
These fields are of great importance to our modern society. And they provide students with useful life skills, including problem solving, critical analysis and creativity.
With in-person and physical activities often being a key part of STEM subjects, you may wonder how online schools can teach these effectively. But through cutting edge technology and innovative solutions, students at the best online schools get exciting and interactive lessons, from Primary age to Sixth Form, such as simulations and fields trips. Here’s a snapshot of how this happens.
Virtual Laboratories
Experimentation is usually the first thing on peoples’ minds, when they think of science teaching. In-person lessons may involve creating chemical reactions or analysing photosynthesis. How can students do this outside of a school lab (without turning the house into a mess)?
The answer is simple: they use a computer. Cutting-edge simulation technology is a key part of online schools’ teaching process.
Students get to join a virtual laboratory which puts them right in the action yet in a safe environment, and take part in activities like:
- Growing bacteria
- Testing pH
- Experimenting with gravity
Learners may also get to watch simulations as often as they need, ensuring they learn at a pace that suits them.
Practical, Hands-on Activities
Of course, not every activity has to take place on a computer. Hands-on activities can include getting students to think on their feet, and applying their science and maths knowledge to real-world problems.
From working on sustainable home design to solar energy and electric vehicles, online students spend plenty of time away from the screen and using their hands and brains.
Practical exams often take place in physical locations, allowing students to use everything they’ve learned in lessons.
Expert Teachers
While simulations and virtual lab work remain a big part of learning STEM online, teacher-led classes shouldn’t be dismissed. Teachers, with their expertise and passion, are responsible for bringing online lessons to life.
They often use multimedia learning to teach their subjects. This typically includes watching peer-reviewed scientific videos, taking part in interactive quizzes and listening to audio clips.
Students also collaborate with each other in their lessons. Using their webcams, microphones, and text chats, they can participate in group work. Despite being miles away from each other, they can interact at the touch of a few buttons.
A Variety of Subjects
One of the key benefits of studying at the best online schools is the vast range of subject choices available. Whatever aspect of STEM your learner is most interested in, many online school curriculums will have plenty of options for them to choose from, including maths, science and STEM subjects from the age of Primary through to Sixth Form.
Students can expand on their knowledge as they move through the school with a Further Maths course. This gives them the opportunity to explore more complex arithmetic. They may also have the option to study Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. If your learner is more technically –minded, they may want to try their hand at Computer Science. Meanwhile, Psychology allows them to explore a combination of social and cognitive science.
Through the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, there are further ways to investigate and explore the sciences through virtual learning. Students choose one science subject, such as Biology, Chemistry or Physics, and may also offer more specialist options like Environmental Sciences or Applications and Interpretations (a maths course where they can apply their knowledge practically).
King’s InterHigh is Shaping Future Scientists
As an online school, King’s InterHigh teaches STEM subjects using interactive classes and state-of-the-art virtual technology. Our qualified teaching staff are passionate and dedicated to helping learners achieve the best results possible.
Recently, our students have been offered places to study STEM subjects at various universities, including veterinary medicine, astrophysics and environmental science. Your child could join them in the future.
Our high-quality, personalised and flexible learning ensures they enjoy the best education possible, at the pace that suits them.
