Case It! vs NOVA Labs

Case It! is a free framework for collaborative case-based learning in molecular biology. Its v705 software simulates laboratory procedures on DNA and protein sequences, including PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, restriction enzyme digestion, ELISA, microarrays, and Southern and Western blots. It supports plasmid DNA, labelled gels, and locating restriction enzyme sites, including Cas9 sites, in double-stranded DNA. Connections to bioinformatics software and websites support sequence alignment and tree-building, and sequence search is listed as useful for undergraduate research. The download includes DNA and protein sequences cited in case descriptions on topics such as genetic and infectious diseases. Case It Mobile presents selected cases through scenarios and videos of simulated procedures on phones and tablets. Cases not converted for mobile and custom sequences require v705. The project says v705 runs on current Windows and Mac systems and documents an M-series Mac setup using UTM and Windows 11 Pro. Educational users can download it free after submitting a form.

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.