Experiments can be replicated by other teams of student scientists. Students must confront sources of error and degrees of uncertainty in deciding what they have found out. Participating in an online project requires clear communication in order to achieve reproducibility of methods and results among participating groups. Students experience the frustration caused by ambiguous wording and see the value of precise, detailed methods and discussion. If a presentation of results to the community is required, students get added experience in scientific writing.
Students share thoughts and even pictures of themselves and their schools.
Online projects give students an opportunity totake charge, be active and creative in a relatively safe arena. Students of all ability levels can contribute and get recognition. The enthusiasm can help carry them through more tedious and difficult classwork. By definition, online projects use computers and the Internet in some way. They give students a real reason to become familiar with the internet connection at their homes, schools or libraries and to range out from there to explore the wealth of information available to them.