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 dashboard allows faculty and students to view simulation attempts, track progress, and monitor scores within Sakai.

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*