Abstract: A new and improved learning system that contains a highly interactive environment rich with educational information. The new and improved learning system contains an interactive educational software program with a companion hands-on educational activities kit. The learning system includes software which guides the user through activities, instructions, and educational material. The program's virtual expert explains material. The program also consists of several virtual machines that the user interacts with. One virtual machine holds readily accessible entertaining and scientific facts; another holds a readily accessible glossary of scientific terms. There is also a virtual machine that functions as a laboratory journal for user input of desired observations and measurements. At the completion of the project, the software compiles the user's information into an accessible final report for reading and printing.