Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We have answers. Check below for our most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
FAQ – Schools
What does the free trial for schools involve?
Teachers can sign up via the website for a 4 week trial with Experimentary. We will then be in contact via phone or email to organise the details of the teachers/classes that might to trial so that everyone that needs a login will have one.
How does the subscription process work?
Subscriptions to Experimentary are based on the number of students (their teachers are free). The rate is based on a school (or calendar year), so will decrease accordingly as the year progresses.
How long is the trial?
The standard trial time for school access is 4 weeks. If you need longer, please just let us know.
How much personal information do you require about students?
Generally we ask for a class, first name and last initial. This is to set up them up in the system and with logins in such a way that their teacher will know who is who.
What data is stored and where?
All Experimentary data is stored on servers based locally (in Australia).
FAQ – Teachers and Home School Parents
Does every student need a device?
No. Ideally there would be one device per experiment group, so that students can fill in their lab book as they go, but if not, no problem.
WIth minimal devices, run the first 2 videos for the whole class at once (eg from a projector). Students can then begin working, or inputting their experiment plans etc depending upon access to a device. Results can also be recorded on paper and put in later if need be.
Does each experiment have to be all done in one session?
No. Many can be (in terms of time required), but they can all be stopped and started again with no problems. Any work the students have entered online will be saved for when they return.
How do I find the most relevant experiment?
Find the most appropriate experiments by using the ‘Experiment Search’ page’s experiment filters. You can browse the details of an experiment by clicking on it. This will show videos, workbooks, equipment and (at the bottom) the relevant curriculum areas.
How do I assign an experiment so students can do it?
Once you have decided on the experiment you wish them to do, click on that experiment so you enter the preview screen for it. Up the top, you should see a tab “Assign experiment to class”. Clicking this gives you the option to assign it for the whole class (as one big group with one lot of results) or “Assign groups” (students will work in groups you create). Each “group” will share the digital lab report for that experiment, no matter who from the group logs in (a bit like a shared document).
Do students have to work in groups?
No. Often one big group might be easier for younger classes with little extra help. But older students, or those working on projects at home, may want (or need) to work individually. Experiments can be assigned to individuals rather than groups.
How do I cancel my home subscription?
Login using the parent username/password and this will take you to the parent portal. In the top right there is a big blue button “Manage Students and Subscriptions”, click on this. On the following page you will see your subscribed children. Just click on them and then you can cancel the subscription.
FAQ – Students
What is Science@Home?
Science@home is a bunch of fun science activities and ideas that you can do at home. They can be set as home work, turned into experiments, or projects, or just done out of interest. These are all available to all students all the time.
I forgot my password!
The teacher or homeschool teacher/parent can reset a student password for a student.
Any Unanswered Questions?
Let’s get in touch