Biology Labs

Below is a list of freely available online biology lab resources, including microscopy, genetics and life science.

General biology and virtual labs

• The Interactive Library – This EdInformatics.com site is a list of links to interactive biology sites. Some Java applets are standalone and some come with lesson plans and notes
• Johnson Explorations – Online explorations from The McGraw-Hill Companies. Interactive simulations for high school biology classes. Alternate links: 1, 2
• TryScience.com – Variety of online experiments
• The Biology Place: Classic Edition – A free website appropriate for regular and advanced biology. The LabBench corresponds to the AP Biology Labs
• ExploreLearning: Gizmos – Online simulations
• Wisc-Online Learning Objects
• Biology: Virtual Labs – Appropriate for AP Biology and beyond
• Virtual Labs – Appropriate for AP Biology and beyond
• Virtual Labs – From HHMI’s BioInteractive

Anatomy, physiology and dissection

• See the list of Anatomy Labs

Microscopy, cells and microbiology

• UD Virtual Compound Microscope – A virtual microscope
• The Virtual Microscope
• Virtual Scanning Electron Microscopy – Interactive Java tutorials
• Protista Tutorials – Microscope views of organisms. Also shows rotifers
• A Virtual Pond Dip
• JayDoc HistoWeb – From the University of Kansas Medical Center. A histology atlas that corresponds with the laboratory exercises of the Cell & Tissue Biology course

Genetics and DNA

• Genetics Web Lab Directory – Wide variety of genetics simulations and problems. Some are appropriate for middle school genetics; most are appropriate for high school genetics
• Genetics – Some K-12 online labs
• Virtual Peppered Moths
• DNA Restriction Digest and Gel Electrophoresis: A Virtual Lab
• DNA Extraction Virtual Lab
• The GEEE! in GENOME
• Learn.Genetics - Genetic Science Learning Center
• Engineer a Crop – PBS interactive site where students can compare traditional and transgenic methods of selective breeding

Health, medical treatment and blood types

• Interactive Health Tutorials – From U.S. National Library of Medicine
• Medical Mysteries – Solve medical mysteries while learning about diseases and their causes
• Blood Typing – Interactive game where you can learn about blood types and also determine what type an accident victim needs for a transfusion

Population biology and dynamics

• Population Biology Simulations – From the University of Connecticut. A few population genetics and population ecology simulations written in Java
• Population Growth and Balance
• Population Dynamics – From MathCS.org

Animal behavior, evolution and life science

• The Animal Behavior Project – At the University of Arizona
• Life Science – Interactive lessons from learningscience.com
• Shedd Educational Adventures – Marine life resources from the Shed Aquarium
• Paleo Pursuit – A game from The Virtual Museum of Canada
• ENSI/SENSI – Evolution and the Nature of Science Institutes
• Illuminating Photosynthesis – PBS interactive tutorial about photosynthesis; not a lab activity

The following biology laboratory simulations and educational learning exercises are available for a fee.

Commercial products

• Biology Labs On-Line – A series of 12 interactive, inquiry-based biology simulations and exercises
• Late Nite Labs – Includes both Biology and Chemistry labs
• TeqSmart Learning Objects: Science – Includes interactive Animal Cell and Plant Cell exercises
• Biology LabPaqs – Hands-on laboratory experiences

Return to the List of Subjects.