In the first edition of their new smart course, the Arizona State University's School of Earth and Space Exploration published the results of recent research which showed that a student-centered hands-on learning accelerated student’s understanding of science-based concepts. 

Written by: @VanessaHampton

The results of the study released in the peer review journal, Astrobiology of 5th April 2018 demonstrated an improved learning experience for students when simulation and virtual field trips are used to teach chemistry, biology, and physics. 

<center>![](https://steemitimages.com/DQmb9fSr7QoBzZZUoFS9kM2UzbpRZw1BEMQ3G83GwD4ALmC/image.png)</center>

<center>*A simulation of ACRIMSat, Active Cavity Radiometer Irradiance Monitor Satellite*</center>
[By NASA / JPL, Public domain](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/ACRIMSat_Animation.gif)


It is no news that science has found itself regarded as an exclusive, fantastical and mysterious field. So much that some people believe it can only be understood by science majors. 

Habitable worlds or HabWorlds created by the Center for Education Through eXploration (ETX) at ASU, with support from NASA and the National Science Foundation aims to bridge the gap between science and the world and present science in virtual, simulated imagery for everyone. 

>## <center>Science Explained Through Virtual Field Trips and Simulation</center>

This will undoubtedly be of significant advantage even for the so-called ‘science geeks’ who already seem to have a knowledge of chemistry, biology, and physics. Before now, in some parts of the world, teaching science and understanding it has mostly been theoretical. Students work hard to memorize facts and figures they might not completely understand. But with HabWorlds, mastery, renewed appreciation and understanding of science will be assured. 

Virtual field trips are an interactive, simulated way of learning that was introduced in 1995. In using virtual field trips, students are exposed to video conferencing, virtual worlds and web pages to explain complex subjects in real time. 

The ASU online smart course, HabWorlds has since been taken by over 5000 students since its introduction in 2011. 

The just released result of the research which showed an increase in student’s grade, understanding and appreciation of science culled from the past five years is a win for science. 

With HabWorlds, science can be brought to every doorstep. 

## <sub><sup>References<sub></sub></sup>

<sub><sup>[ASU online science course brings to life a new way of teaching](https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-04/asu-aos040518.php/)<sub></sub></sup> 

<sub><sup>[Virtual field trips](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual\_field\_trip)<sub></sub></sup>
<sub><sup>[Habitable Worlds: Delivering on the Promises of Online Education](https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/ast.2016.1550)<sub></sub>