Virtual labs are a great tool to try if you have computer access. I love them because:
- They are FREE! If you are tired of spending your own money on lab supplies, throw in a virtual lab instead.
- They are great for visual learners.
- If students mess up, they can start over with no pressure
- They give you a small break from stressful wet-labs.
I’ve compiled a list of websites that have virtual labs. I’ll try my best to make sure all the links are up and working (non-flash), but if any are out of date please let me know!
- Phet: This website from University of Colorado has a ton of simulations. This website is especially great for physics and chemistry teachers. It even includes free downloadable handouts and worksheets you can use with the simulations.
- NMSU Virtual Labs: This site has 8 virtual labs for biology and chemistry.
- HHMI Biointeractive: This site has virtual labs that tend to be better for honors/AP students.
- Learn Genetics: University of Utah’s Learn Genetics site is great for all things genetics. They also have 4 virtual labs that deal with DNA.
- Virtual Dissections: Resources are broken down by animal
- California State University: Has a list of virtual labs broken down by content area
- Physics Labs: This site has a list of labs just for physics teachers
- Molecular Workbench: Has 100’s of simulations for all content areas
- NOVA Labs: Includes virtual labs on the sun, energy, RNA, clouds, and evolution.
- Bioman: Games and virtual labs for biology
- Tragedy of the Commons Lab
- Evolution Virtual Labs: from NOVA
- Blood Typing: In this virtual lab students learn how blood typing works and they need to select which types of blood can be used in a transfusion. (This is currently FLASH but they said it’s getting an update soon!)
- Chemistry Simulations: From Oneonta University
- Virtual Titration: Great titration practice before doing the real thing in your chemistry class.
- CK-12: Has chemistry and physics simulations.
- Cell Homeostasis osmosis lab
- Lab Safety Interactive
- Virtual Biology Labs- labs for ecology, evolution, and cells
- JavaLab- This site has tons of simulations sorted by topic. It’s got some great stuff!
- Research Quest– Not your average virtual lab, these multi-step investigations from the Natural History Museum of Utah are pretty amazing. There are investigations for food chains/ecosystems and fossils.
- John Darkow Sims- This website is created by a teacher who has non-flash simulations! (Most are biology)
- OLABS- Online labs for schools has a bunch of simulations to choose from for all science content areas! (Once you click on the topic you are looking for, you need to click on the “simulation” tab).
Enjoy! If you know of other sites, please share in the comments!
