We developed a novel online platform, Rex (Real experiments), that immerses students in a scientific investigative process. Rex is a virtual Web-based biological science experiment platform, hosted by real scientists and uses actual lab experiments that generate real data for students to collect, analyze, and interpret. Seven neuroscience experiments use zebrafish and rats as model systems to study the effects of drugs such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), caffeine, alcohol, and cigarette smoke, which are of interest to high school students. We carried out a small field test of Rex in a variety of high school biology classrooms (e.g., standard, honors, AP, anatomy/physiology) to obtain student and teacher feedback about the implementation and usability of the program. We also assessed student situational interest (SI) to determine whether the Rex experiment captured students’ attention, and whether it was an enjoyable and meaningful experience. Overall, students reported a moderate level of SI after participating in the Rex experiments. Situational interest did not differ across teachers, class section, class level, or the type of experiment. In addition, we present details of the technical issues encountered in the classroom, and we provide guidance to readers who may want to use the resource in their classrooms.

中文翻译：

---

高中生物学在线实验平台的开发

我们开发了一个新颖的在线平台Rex（真实实验），使学生沉浸在科学的调查过程中。雷克斯（Rex）是一个基于Web的虚拟生物科学实验平台，由真正的科学家主持，并使用实际的实验室实验生成实际数据，以供学生收集，分析和解释。七个神经科学实验使用斑马鱼和大鼠作为模型系统来研究高中生感兴趣的药物如四氢大麻酚（THC），咖啡因，酒精和香烟烟雾的作用。我们在各种高中生物学教室（例如，标准，荣誉，AP，解剖学/生理学）中对Rex进行了一次小型现场测试，以获取有关该计划的实施和可用性的学生和老师反馈。我们还评估了学生的情境兴趣（SI），以确定Rex实验是否引起了学生的注意，以及它是否是令人愉快且有意义的体验。总体而言，参加Rex实验后，学生报告了中等水平的SI。在老师，班级，班级或实验类型之间，情境兴趣没有差异。此外，我们还介绍了教室中遇到的技术问题的详细信息，并为可能希望在教室中使用该资源的读者提供指导。