Maroon vs SimBio
Maroon
maroon.tugraz.atSimBio
simbio.comSide by side
| Figure | Maroon | SimBio |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 0 | 4 |
| Spec score · Virtual Lab Software | 7.2 (#18) | 7.8 (#12) |
| Headquarters | Graz, Austria | Missoula, Montana, United States |
| Learning approach | The simulations are designed for active learning and involve students in the learning process. | Its modules use simulations and interactives to support inquiry-driven learning, critical thinking, and active learning. |
| Product | Maroon is an immersive physics laboratory for interactive learning experiences, simulations and experiments. | SimBio provides interactive biology teaching content, including virtual labs and interactive chapters, for college courses. |
| Support | The site directs people interested in contributing or pursuing a thesis topic to contact Johanna Pirker by email. | SimBio says technical support specialists are available seven days a week for the SimUText system. |
Plans
SimBio
- Virtual Labs (workbook and tutorial-style)$7.50, paid once
- Interactive Chapters$11.50, paid once
- Unlimited Labs$49, paid once
- SimBio Unlimited (chapters and/or labs)$89, paid once
In their own words
Maroon
Maroon is a free, open-source immersive physics laboratory for interactive learning, simulations, and experiments. In its virtual environment, users approach a station and teleport to a room containing the related lesson or activity. Simulations emphasize active learning by involving students in the process. Listed physics activities include Coulomb’s Law, Falling Coil, Faraday’s Law, Huygens’ Principle, Point Wave, Pendulum, Van de Graaff, and Optics. The lab also includes titration and sorting experiments, and supports experiment authoring. In the optics activity, users adjust parameters and receive real-time visual feedback while exploring reflection, refraction, lenses, and fiber optics. Maroon runs in a browser and has downloadable Windows PC and virtual-reality versions. Developed with Unity at Graz University of Technology, the project is hosted on GitHub and welcomes contributions, issue reports, and pull requests. Students can contribute functionality, VR experiences, learning experiences, and physics experiments.