Virtual science labs are a great way for teachers and students to perform experiments in the absence of a lab. Performing in a lab requires a lot of attention and care, so virtual science labs can help not only increase safety but allow students to conduct tests at their leisure.
When combined with proper preparation and structure, they are a great asset to help teach and a fun way to pass the time. We have compiled a list of some of the best virtual science lab apps for Android and iOS that allow students to conduct science experiments and investigations virtually.
1. PhET Simulations
PhET Simulations was developed by experts at the University of Colorado Boulder to provide students with simulated experiments on various topics.
Their library contains a total of 160 simulations on various subjects including physics, chemistry, mathematics, earth science, and biology, and are translated into 95 languages. The app also provides teachers with various lesson plans for them to utilize to make the most out of the simulations.
The experiments are based on extensive education research and designed to engage students through an intuitive, game-like environment where students learn through exploration and discovery.
Download: PhET Simulations for Android | iOS ($0.99)
2. Physics Lab
Physics Lab is a virtual sandbox that allows you to construct and test out your experiments. It allows you to play with various circuit components and build 3D electric circuits, seeing how they work in real-time.
It's a perfect kit for building custom experiments and allowing students to play around and experiment with different conditions without worrying about lab equipment and safety.
The app contains over 55 circuit components and allows you to edit their properties to different figures and observe the change of behavior and stats. It also provides electromagnetic experiments with field line visualization and has recently expanded to astrophysics, allowing users to design their own galaxies and observe planetary effects.
Download: Physics Lab for Android | iOS (Free)
3. Lab4Physics
Lab4Physics utilizes your smartphone's built-in sensors to transform your device into a powerful science lab that can be used flexibly by teachers and students alike.
The app provides experiments that can be created from daily use objects found in your home. It comes with over 25 rigorous lab experiences that use the power of four different sensors, the accelerometer, sonometer, camera, and speedometer to gather, visualize and analyze data.
The experiments are inquiry-based, using the student's curiosity to explore concepts like movement, gravity, acceleration, force, energy, rotation, torque, and waves. The app is a great learning tool and allows students to see first hand how physics works.
Download: Lab4Physics for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
5. BEAKER
BEAKER allows you to experiment with chemicals in a virtual setting. With over 150 chemicals and 300 different reactions, it enables you to create chemical reactions and test out all the different combinations you have always wished to try but couldn't.
The app comes equipped with a variety of handy lab tools to assist your experiments, which include a match, lid, burner, blender, cooler, separator, filter, and meter. It uses lifelike physics simulations to allow the user to shake or tilt the mixture, and allows you to perform a variety of different actions.
The app has a feature known as AirMix that lets you connect with friends and pour chemicals in each other's beakers. It is a useful tool for visualizing the effects of chemical reactions that may be too difficult or unsafe to perform in a lab. If you're interested in learning more about science, then check out these great websites that will help you out.
Download: BEAKER for Android (Free, in-app purchases available) | iOS ($0.99)
5. LIFE
LIFE is a living body simulator that enables you to experiment with medications, procedures, and physical activities, and witness their effect on the human body. The app allows you to experiment with over 200 medicines, hormones, and different food and drinks.
The app has virtual biological receptors to trigger and detect physiological effects, such as mood, sensation, the regulation of other hormones, body temperature, and you can read receptor data from each organ in a constantly updating diagram. You can explore over 100 different physiological and pathological conditions.
The developers created a custom physiology engine, combined with real-life physics simulation to produce a human body that is fun to play and intuitive to learn about. An organ panel reveals medical data for each organ and allows you to read various details such as the ECG of the heart, EEG of the brain and much more.
The Body Engine calculates and simulates everything in real-time to reflect how the body reacts to different conditions. You can view the entire process of excretion as well as perform emergency procedures such as CPR. This app is a great tool to demonstrate our human body and how it changes and reacts to various conditions.
Download: LIFE for Android | iOS ($4.99)
6. Labster
Labster is a fully equipped virtual laboratory for Android that allows you to perform experiments on physics, chemistry, and biology. It was recognized with the 2020 award for Outstanding Contribution to Quality Science Education.
Labster's virtual labs are interactive and let you take control of every aspect from picking up and arranging apparatus to performing every step of the experiment. The app focuses on visual simulations and immersive animations to create a sense of realism when performing the tasks.
Labster uses storytelling approaches to engage students in course materials and creates a gaming environment, where the user takes control similarly to how they would in a video game. The app comes with its own virtual lab assistant, Dr. One, to guide and help you out.
The Labster project aims to create an environment that can enable students to experience and gain insight one would do so from performing in an actual lab.
Download: Labster for Android (Free)
Virtual Labs Are Educational and Fun
Virtual labs are a great alternative to physical laboratories. Laboratories are expensive to build and maintain, and require a lot of precaution and safety measures to implement. Virtual labs allow users to perform experiments risk-free and test out ideas that may not be safe in reality.
As a learning tool and curiosity feeder, virtual labs are fun to use and play with. If you're a teacher, they are a great teaching means and if you are bored, then why not try one out today and get back the childlike curiosity we all used to have.