Biology Labs Online vs PraxiLabs

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.

PraxiLabs provides virtual science labs and educational content for learners and education providers. Its simulations cover biology, chemistry, and physics, with more than 220 available in the Semester and Annual plans. Learners interact with experiments in 3D, can repeat them, track progress, and receive immediate feedback. Oxi, described as a virtual science lab partner, provides personalized guidance during simulations. The platform also includes multiple-choice quizzes and assessments, reports, and analytics. Individual subscriptions are limited to one user: the Free Plan gives one month of access to three simulations, while the Monthly Plan provides any 10 simulations. Semester and Annual plans include access to all 220-plus simulations. The School plan lists Moodle, Blackboard, and other LMS integrations, plus a built-in mini-LMS; Teacher and University plans are also offered by quote. PraxiLabs runs online in a modern browser on a computer or laptop, with no installation required. The Free Plan costs nothing, the Monthly Plan $6.99 a month, the Semester Plan $29.99 a month, and the Annual Plan $44.99 a year.