April 3, 2023
Xplorlabs is a free educational platform designed by the education and safety science research teams at Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to encourage students to “solve through science.” It is especially focused on engaging middle school students to encourage their continued interest in science at the critical juncture when students develop scientific identity.
Through a blended model of high-quality online interactive activities, videos, instructional experiences, hands-on classroom investigations, and creative classroom challenges, the Xplorlabs platform provides interesting learning opportunities and STEM resources that create engagement, skills, knowledge, and action in the science of safety.
For example, the 21st-century explosion of mobile devices and the looming threat of climate change have made the lithium-ion battery extremely important to modern life. In the “Lithium-Ion Battery Supply Chain” lesson from UL, students learn about all facets of the battery life cycle, from lithium extraction to e-waste. The lesson includes guides for students and teachers, as well as revealing video and engaging graphics.