Students say they are motivated by solving real-world problems. They often express a
preference for doing rather than listening. At the same time, most educators consider
learning-by-doing the most effective way to learn. Yet for decades, authentic learning has
been difficult to implement. Certain experiments are too dangerous, difficult, or expensive to
conduct in the classroom; many are simply impossible to perform. After all, educators cannot
expect their students to set the tectonic plates in motion, summoning up an earthquake at
will, or to travel back in time and replay decisive moments in the American Civil War, can
they? Well, perhaps they can.