Biology Labs Online vs NOVA Labs

Biology Labs Online is a free web collection of 12 interactive biology simulations and exercises for college and AP high school students. Topics include inheritance, evolution, genetics, population growth, protein structure and function, electron transport, plant physiology, cardiovascular homeostasis, and enzyme biochemistry. The inquiry-based activities are designed to reinforce scientific methodology, including principles that may be dangerous, expensive, or time-consuming to study in wet labs. They are not intended to replace traditional labs, operate as standalone tutorials, or serve as online courses. Older Java applets are converted to JavaScript through CheerpJ, a process the site says can have minor quirks. The listed tested browsers on Windows and Mac include Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, and Brave, plus Safari on Mac. The applets assume mouse input and do not work well on mobile devices. Many can export data and graphs, but pop-ups must be allowed for the output window to appear. Notebook data must be exported locally or copied elsewhere to preserve it. Instructors can request access to instructor resources by email.

NOVA Labs is a free web platform for teens and lifelong learners who want to explore science through games, interactive activities, videos, and scientific data. Its Labs cover financial decision-making, exoplanets, climate, evolution, cybersecurity, RNA, clouds, renewable energy, and the Sun. Activities let participants visualize, analyze, and share data used in scientific investigations and in designing solutions to current problems. Each Lab includes videos that explain key concepts and accompany a research challenge. The Cybersecurity Lab includes challenges about cracking passwords, crafting code, and stopping malicious hackers. The RNA Lab offers folding puzzles and directs users to Eterna for designing RNA molecules. The Sun Lab provides data, images, and tools used to predict solar storms. Accounts let users save and track progress through videos, questions, and game goals. Educators receive Lab-specific guides, materials, and teen opportunity and career resources. NOVA Labs can be used in classrooms, after-school programs, day camps, and other educational programs. Biology simulations, assessment tools, and teacher tools are listed.