Inq-ITS vs MindLabs

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.

Its curriculum is described as aligned with NGSS and CCSS, with differentiated prompts, extension challenges, and support strategies. The teacher dashboard includes classroom management, digital notebooks, progress tracking, readiness check-ins, and collaboration insights. The Power Bundle is designed for grades 3–5, with content expanding through grade 8. Listed learning bundles cover homeschool, classroom, and school settings; each costs $109, paid once, with different educator, student, and card-deck capacities. The CoLabs+ Digital Notebook is $179, paid once. MindLabs also lists a free plan and paid access from $39. Notebook, SEL, and collaboration tools work in a browser, while AR requires the mobile app. Students can use AR independently offline, but work in AR or the notebook is not saved offline; saved notebooks and group AR need internet access. Fire tablets are unsupported, and most Chromebooks cannot display AR. The service supports iPhone, Android smartphones, iPad, Android tablets, and web browsers.