Design and Development of an Ultra-Concurrent Remote Laboratory for Projectile Motion Experiments

Experimentation in science education faces significant access limitations, both in face-to-face and distance learning settings; in light of this situation, remote laboratories are emerging as a strategic solution. The aim of this study is to present the design and development of an ultra-concurrent remote laboratory focused on the study of projectile motion. Using the Design-Based Research methodology, the resource has been structured around an iterative five-phase approach: design, data capture, development, test and improvement, and integration. The data acquisition system was developed using a hardware setup comprising a projectile launcher, photo gates, a digital interface and a time sensor, implemented and managed via the LabsLand platform. The laboratory integrates semi-parabolic and full-parabolic configurations via an interactive interface that guides the user from connecting components to the multimedia observation of real experimental data. The results of the experimental validation confirm the system’s viability, as the data obtained compare with ideal kinematic equations and reflect, as expected, the behaviour and physical limitations of the real-world environment. This laboratory offers a potential pedagogical advantage, reporting percentage errors around 3–11%, as it exposes students to experimental uncertainty whilst simultaneously ensuring simultaneous and free access for multiple users in science education.