Smart Science Online enables students to experience the scientific discovery method with a virtual apparatus. This is not a new concept; however, the Smart Science approach is more realistic than simulations or digitally produced animations.

In a biology lesson, for example, a student may select from several hypotheses and then test each using cultures in a set of petri dishes. The "simulation" uses actual photos of the cultures growing over time allowing the student to step through the process, pointing and clicking at the material in the video. Clicking on cells of a given type translates to points on a graph for that cell type. We used this method in a biology lab to test the effect of various contaminants on seed germination. When the first hypothesis failed, our student tried several others, all the while gathering data that empowered him to draw his own conclusions.

Students are not discouraged by "getting it wrong" or having an experiment that does not work. Testing hypotheses one by one, the student gathers information to draw his or her conclusions about the experiment. They can keep notes separately or include them in a lab report. Smart Science explains how to use the virtual apparatus to gather data. The lab report is automatically constructed for the student using fill-in forms along with the information gathered throughout the experiments.

We initially found the process to be complex and at times tedious, but once familiar with the system, complaints of "I don't get it" quickly turned into "Cool! I didn't expect that." It is important when using this system to view the learning process in terms of the scientific method. If your student understands that mistakes are opportunities to learn, he or she will learn a lot more through this trial and error method.

All Smart Science labs include graphs, and one of the lessons we reviewed was an experiment to demonstrate how speed impacts graph slope. Among the hypotheses were:

• Faster motion does not change the slope of the graph line
• Faster motion gives a steeper graph line
• Faster motion gives a shallower graph line

We picked our hypothesis, favoring a steeper graph line and then clicked, "Enter Lab." In the lab, we followed people moving across a path in the video and marked their positions along the way. These points were collected by Smart Science and placed on a graph in real time. After testing a slow walk, a run and a bike rider, it became very clear very fast that our hypothesis was correct.

Help is available along the bottom of the screen where the hypothesis is selected. One button labeled, "Apparatus" explains how the experiment is conducted and what equipment is being used (microscope, stop watch, etc.) The instructions are clear and easy to understand.

Within the lab, where the data are gathered, there are vocabulary words along the bottom of the page. Clicking on one brings up a glossary that goes straight to the word or phrase on which the user clicks. Below the glossary terms are links to other resources, including a brief bio of a scientist, a list of science terms and a dictionary.

Students can take a quiz from the lab page that relates to the information gathered there. The lab report is also launched from the lab page. The lab report tool also has clear and simple instructions and has the data gathered during the lab already included. The student answers questions about what they were trying to discover, the procedures used, and the outcome. The instructions encourage use of new vocabulary words, and to relate the current experiment with previous ones. Quizzes and lab reports are submitted for grading, and instructions tell the student what resources can be reviewed to complete each.

The high school and middle school versions we tested worked the same way. The content is different only in that each reflects the rigor expected of the grade level for which the labs were designed. Smart Science greatly extends the "lab experience" for a homeschool student because it allows methods and apparatus to be used that might not be affordable or even practical in the home. Many online interactive programs are very easy to use and resemble video games or interactive animations. Although there is a learning curve to this program, it is easy to use. What sets it apart from similar programs is that it is neither an interactive animation nor an educational game.

Smart Science is an effective resource that can be a great supplement to your existing science program. Annual subscriptions for 6th grade through 8th grade Physical Science or General Science are $49.95. High school Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science or Physics are available for $59.95. AP Physics, Biology or Chemistry are available at $89.95. Subscription rates are per year, per student.