How Labster is Changing Chemistry Classrooms

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How Labster is Changing Chemistry Classrooms: In Conversation with Charlotte Hamblet

If you’ve been in a Chemistry classroom recently, either as a teacher or a student, you might have noticed some big changes. Traditional tools like chalkboards and Bunsen burners have not disappeared, but they have made space for interactive simulations and digital platforms. Here we are in conversation with Charlotte Hamblet, senior Science Educator at Labster, exploring how online tools are not just modernizing science education, but are reshaping it. From making science more accessible to encouraging collaboration and fostering deeper critical thinking, technology is helping students engage in learning.

Charlotte brings an incredibly diverse background to the table, from zoology and forensic and biomedical Egyptology to working in mass spectrometry, microbiology, and pharmaceuticals. She has held roles in industry, completed postdoctoral research, and taught science across various settings.

Labster: Making hands-on science more accessible
One of the biggest advantages of online chemistry tools is that they make science more accessible for everyone. Not every school or college can afford high-end lab equipment, and that can limit the kinds of experiments students get to do. Labster helps to solve this problem by offering realistic simulations of advanced instruments and procedures. “With this, students can still get meaningful, hands-on experience, even if they’re miles away from a physical lab,” Charlotte explains. 

How digital tools like Labster bring students together, help collaboration even from afar
Virtual labs now offer spaces where students can engage in group projects, peer reviews,  and live discussions, even if they are on opposite sides of the world. This kind of collaboration, according to Hamblet, is the key to building not only understanding but also confidence. “Students have AI tutors now, they can inquire a lot, they can have peer reviews with each other on the work,” she says. “It’s safe, there are no hazards associated with it,” she adds.

What are some specific benefits of fostering collaboration with digital tools?
Digital tools make it possible for students to collaborate in ways that go beyond the classroom. They’re not limited by class periods, they can revisit simulations at home, continue discussions online, and even challenge each other’s ideas. This kind of extended interaction helps deepen their understanding. “It’s almost like giving a little bit more ownership to students,” Charlotte says. 

What challenges do educators face when introducing online tools?
One of the biggest challenges is that many teachers aren’t totally comfortable using these tools themselves. "We have to ensure that educators are passionate about the tools they use, and why onboarding is so important. That way, they will feel confident in delivering content and provide proper guidance to their students.” she says. Another issue is keeping students engaged and making sure assessments are meaningful, especially when the teachers aren’t physically there to supervise. 

How can educators encourage student engagement with technology?
If educators are excited about using technology and feel confident in their work, that energy naturally spreads to students. It’s also important to use these tools with purpose and not just add them in to be trendy. They should support the curriculum and be introduced in ways that help all students, including those who might feel unsure or overwhelmed at first.

What advice would you give educators exploring online tools?
Take your time, don’t feel like you need to dive into everything all at once. Start with tools that match your teaching style and the needs of your subject. “Join communities and see what other educators are using, like on LinkedIn, join discussion, that’ll be really helpful,” she says. “Always keep budget and practicality in mind, make sure the tools you choose really support your goals,” she adds. 

How can online tools support inquiry-based learning?
Inquiry-based learning is all about asking questions, thinking critically, and exploring concepts, not just memorizing facts. Digital tools are great for that. They let students test ideas, experiment, and make connections in interactive ways that a textbook just can’t offer. It brings the learning process to life.

Do you have any final advice for educators and students?
“There are so many different tools out there, give them a try,” Hamblet says. Sometimes, one good simulation can make a complex topic suddenly click for a student. Teachers should focus on being guides in that process, helping students get to those ‘aha’ moments. In the end, these tools can really support deeper, more meaningful learning.

To conclude, online tools in science education aren’t just a quick fix for limited resources, they’re a chance to rethink how educators teach and how students perceive them. When used correctly, they can make learning more personal, more engaging, and more effective.