Remote Experimentation and Digital Labs: A Framework for Post-Pandemic High School Science Education

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly disrupted traditional science education, exposing the limitations of in-person laboratory instruction and accelerating the adoption of remote learning technologies. This paper presents a framework for integrating remote experimentation and digital labs into high school science curricula, offering a sustainable, scalable model for post-pandemic education. The proposed framework enables students to conduct meaningful experiments either virtually or through affordable at-home science kits, while preserving the core principles of inquiry-based learning, data accuracy, and scientific rigor. Grounded in constructivist learning theory and digital pedagogy, the framework blends interactive simulations, remote sensor-based data collection, and hands-on experiments using household or low-cost materials. It emphasizes flexibility and inclusivity, making quality science education accessible to students regardless of geographic or socioeconomic barriers. Key components include guided inquiry modules, digital lab platforms, teacher facilitation strategies, and real-time data sharing tools. The model promotes student autonomy, critical thinking, and collaboration by allowing learners to design investigations, analyze data, and engage in peer review through virtual interfaces. Pilot implementations of this approach across various high school settings have shown that students engaged in remote experimentation demonstrate comparable levels of scientific understanding, procedural skill, and engagement as those in traditional lab environments. Teachers reported increased participation, especially among students who previously faced barriers to lab access. Moreover, the digital labs provided a safe, scalable alternative for continuing lab-based science education during school closures, extreme weather events, or in underserved communities with limited infrastructure. This research offers timely insights into reimagining science education for a hybrid learning future. By aligning remote experimentation tools with curriculum standards and inquiry-based pedagogy, the framework ensures that all students can engage in authentic scientific practices. It also supports professional development for educators to effectively facilitate digital labs. The model represents a forward-looking solution to build resilient, equitable, and innovative science education systems.