Learn Science Through the Galápagos Islands
University undergraduates, teachers, and scientists collaborated to create STEM curricula and games to bring the Galápagos Islands to your classroom.
What is Virtual Galápagos?
Virtual Galápagos is an immersive STEM education project that gives undergraduate students hands-on experience in science communication, teaching, research, and digital content creation. Students are involved in every stage of the process, from planning educational content to producing videos, designing graphics, programming modules, and building interactive learning experiences.
Through the program, students deepen their knowledge of the Galápagos across scientific fields, especially geology and evolutionary biology, while developing practical skills in research, data management, evidence-based thinking, experimental design, communication, video production, editing, graphic design, and programming.
The project also emphasizes mentorship and collaboration. Undergraduate students work with scientists, Galápagos naturalist guides, and middle school students from local summer programs, gaining valuable experience in teaching, outreach, and community-based learning. Each summer culminates in the creation of a complete educational “mystery” with supporting modules, giving students real-world practice in project management, teamwork, human-centered design, prototyping, revision, and productive failure.
Through the program, students deepen their knowledge of the Galápagos across scientific fields, especially geology and evolutionary biology, while developing practical skills in research, data management, evidence-based thinking, experimental design, communication, video production, editing, graphic design, and programming.
The project also emphasizes mentorship and collaboration. Undergraduate students work with scientists, Galápagos naturalist guides, and middle school students from local summer programs, gaining valuable experience in teaching, outreach, and community-based learning. Each summer culminates in the creation of a complete educational “mystery” with supporting modules, giving students real-world practice in project management, teamwork, human-centered design, prototyping, revision, and productive failure.
Biology
Through Virtual Galápagos, students can learn fundamental genetics, evolution, and marine biology. Depending on the module, students are instructed through different exercises, labs, and other fun activities to learn more about what makes the Galápagos Islands one-of-a-kind.
Math
In addition to biology, students have to use the power of math to solve problems and put together some mysteries. From basic addition and subtraction to the foundation of exponents, Virtual Galápagos has it all!
Geology
You really cannot learn about the biology of the islands without discussing the geology of the Galápagos Spreading Center and Nazca plate. The formation of the islands is what allows them to be so unique and host a variety of wildlife.
Games and Learning
We believe that learning should be fun! Virtual Galápagos has a wide range of activities to complete in a classroom, at home, or on one's own. You can really choose your own adventure to learn more about the Galápagos Islands. Besides the printable activities, we also provide a digital point-and-click adventure game that coincides with the lessons.
This curriculum marks the very beginning of Virtual Galápagos. It has a lot of character to it, and you can really see how far we have come since its development in 2017. We recommend starting on Tortoise or Finch to really engage with Virtual Galápagos.
Click on the icon to learn more.
Click on the icon to learn more.
Here is where we really found a strong footing for what we want Virtual Galápagos to be. Follow along the adventures of Tomas and Becki, two Galápagos tortoises, as they learn how they are related. You have to work together to understand evolution, which is what really brought the Galápagos Islands to stardom.
Click on the icon to learn more.
Click on the icon to learn more.
This module is the most recent and most likely the last module created by Virtual Galápagos team. You can follow along Fredi, a junior detective, as you solve the murder of a Nazca booby on the often forgotten Darwin and Wolf Islands. This is a classic who-done-it with an important twist.
Click on the icon to learn more.
Click on the icon to learn more.
Next Generation Science Standards
Virtual Galápagos's lessons are built with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in mind. The NGSS is widely adopted in the United States for the three pillars of Science & Engineering Practices, Disciplinary Core Ideas, and Crosscutting Concepts. We are working to adopt other standards to make this adaptable for every classroom.
Explore Our Features
We work hard to create unique experiences to teach science
- Next Generation Science StandardsLook through our lessons organized through NGSS to accommodate your classroom's needs
- Science through Story and GamesEach module has a new story that teaches science through a point-and-click adventure
- Individual and Collaborative ApproachVirtual Galápagos has a blend of lessons that can be done alone at home or together in a classroom
- The 5E Model of InstructionThe 5E Model of Instruction, consisting of Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate, is a student-centered approach that promotes exploration and understanding of scientific concepts
Virtual Galápagos
virtualgalapagos.colgate.edu
