Labster

Labster is a leading virtual science lab platform offering an extensive library of over 300 interactive laboratory simulations. It allows students to conduct experiments and practice laboratory skills in a realistic, immersive environment. Labster simulations provide a safe, accessible, and scalable alternative to physical labs, offering rich visualizations, interactive elements, and real-time feedback to reinforce scientific concepts and experimental techniques.

Key Features

• Extensive Simulation Library: Offers over 300 simulations covering a range of scientific fields, including biology, chemistry, physics, and more, allowing students to explore various disciplines through hands-on virtual experiments.
• Realistic Lab Environment: Creates immersive, high-quality 3D environments that replicate the look and feel of a physical lab, providing an authentic learning experience.
• Interactive Experiments: Students can actively engage in experiments, manipulate variables, and observe outcomes, fostering deep understanding and critical thinking.
• Integrated Learning Tools: Incorporates guided explanations, feedback, and embedded quizzes to reinforce learning and support mastery of scientific concepts.
• Seamless Sakai Integration: Faculty can integrate Labster simulations into Sakai through Lessons and Gradebook tools, automatically syncing student scores and providing direct access to simulations.
• Optional Dashboard (Labster US Tool): The Labster US tool serves as an optional performance dashboard that allows faculty and students to view simulation attempts, track progress, and monitor scores within Sakai. The Labster US tool may be added to a course via the Site Info tool.

Benefits

• Enhances Accessibility and Flexibility: Students can access simulations anytime, anywhere, providing a convenient and scalable solution for science instruction that complements or substitutes in-person labs.
• Supports Skill Development Safely: Labster’s risk-free environment lets students experiment and learn from mistakes without safety concerns, building confidence and competence in lab skills.
• Increases Student Engagement: With realistic visuals, interactive content, and gamified elements, Labster keeps students engaged and motivated to explore scientific concepts in depth.
• Enables Data-Driven Teaching: Faculty can track student performance and identify areas for improvement using Labster’s analytics and automatic score syncing with Sakai, facilitating targeted instruction and support.
• Promotes Cost-Effective Learning: By simulating costly or complex lab setups, Labster provides a high-quality lab experience that minimizes the need for expensive physical resources.
• Facilitates Blended and Flipped Learning Models: Labster simulations can be used to prepare students for in-person labs or as supplementary post-lab reviews, supporting blended or flipped classroom approaches.

Labster is available to all Loyola University Chicago science faculty and students as a virtual lab solution to enhance science courses and provide realistic laboratory experiences.

This service is provided at no additional cost to eligible* individuals or departments, as it is fully funded by the institution.

Questions on eligibility, please contact the ITS Service Desk