Effects of virtual laboratories on Procedural competences in natural sciences among eighth-grade students

This research aimed to strengthen procedural competencies in Natural Science in eighth-grade students of the Maria Antonia Penagos Educational Institution in the city of Palmira. It used a methodology under the qualitative approach and a descriptive scope, whose sample was non-probabilistic corresponding to 33 students from grades 8-2. In the research work, an initial recognition was made through the application of techniques such as a student survey and interviews with natural science teachers, which allowed a preliminary diagnosis to be made, to later design the pedagogical proposal structured in a didactic sequence that within its activities It contemplated the use of virtual laboratories in two different platforms, Cloud Labs and Phet interactive simulation. Once the pedagogical proposal was applied, its impact was evaluated through a final questionnaire and an interview with a focus group of students, and it was evidenced that the students showed pleasure and motivation during the implementation of the pedagogical proposal, which was reflected in the improvement of procedural competencies. Therefore, it is concluded that by using virtual laboratories as a didactic tool, procedure competencies in natural sciences can be strengthened.