EFFECT OF VIRTUAL LABORATORY SIMULATIONS IN TEACHING ORGANIC CHEMISTRY AT SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL IN TANGAZA LOCAL GOVERNMENT SOKOTO STATE

The teaching of chemistry, especially organic chemistry, at the senior secondary school level plays a critical role in preparing students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and medicine. Organic chemistry is regarded as a fundamental branch of chemistry because of its wide applications in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, petrochemicals, food sciences, and biotechnology. The study determined the effective of Virtual Laboratory Simulations in teaching organic chemistry to senior secondary school students. It was designed to assess the difference in academic performance and , engagement, between students taught using Virtual Simulations and those taught with traditional laboratory methods. A quasi-experimental design was adopted, The target population for this study consists of 1,035 SS2 students drawn from four public senior secondary schools in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State. These schools were selected to reflect a representative sample of students who are actively participating in organic chemistry classes at the senior secondary level sample 80 SS2 students divided equally into experimental and control groups. Data were collected using pre-tests, post-tests, and questionnaires. The results showed that Virtual Simulations significantly enhanced students’ academic performance and engagement compared to the traditional laboratory method. Based on the findings of the study, it can be concluded that Virtual Laboratory Simulations are highly effective tools for improving the teaching and learning of organic chemistry at the senior secondary school level. They enhance academic performance, foster greater engagement, and provide a more interactive learning environment than traditional methods.