Concord Consortium Lab vs Inq-ITS

Concord Consortium Lab is an open-source HTML5 framework for scientific models, visualizations, graphing, and probeware. Authors define Lab Interactives in JSON, combining models with inquiry controls such as buttons, checkboxes, sliders, and graphs. Interactives can be created, shared, and embedded. Listed model types include Next Generation Molecular Workbench, Energy2D, and Probeware, with bar and line graphs available for activities. Lab combines simulations from multiple modeling engines with data collection from sensors and probes; one demonstrated model explores charged and neutral atoms through two-dimensional molecular dynamics. The framework runs on Android, iOS, and the web, requires SVG support, and lists iOS Safari and Chrome for Android among supported browsers. Concord says current desktop browsers provide the best performance, while simpler models may run on tablets and phones. The project uses Simplified BSD, MIT, or Apache 2.0 licensing. Download archives are available, and local content must be served through a web server. Concord says student and teacher data is confidential and not used for targeted advertising.

Inq-ITS is an online science learning environment with NGSS-aligned virtual labs, automated assessment, and teacher reporting. Its collection contains more than 150 investigations in which students design and conduct science inquiries. Rex, an AI virtual tutor, gives feedback during lab work, and real-time science tutoring is available in English and Spanish. Teachers receive alerts about students who need help and the skills involved, along with classroom and student performance reports. Patented algorithms automatically assess student work and produce performance reports. Google sign-in, Google Classroom, and Clever support access and class organization; Google Classroom also lets teachers post assigned labs. The service runs in a browser on Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iPad, and Android devices. Full functionality requires stable internet, cookies, JavaScript, and WebSockets. Teacher registration provides full access, with the trial ending 30 days after students begin using assigned labs. Free digital labs are also described for practicing science investigation skills. School and district plans are tiered by student count, and pricing is available on request.