NOVA Labs vs SimBio
NOVA Labs
pbs.orgSimBio
simbio.comSide by side
| Figure | NOVA Labs | SimBio |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Spec score · Biology Learning Software | 7.4 (#16) | 7.7 (#12) |
| Audience | The site describes its audience as teens and lifelong learners, and says Labs can be used in classrooms, after-school programs, day camps, and other educational programs. | SimBio describes its teaching tools as used in college biology courses worldwide. |
| Support | The About page invites platform questions by email at [email protected]. | 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
NOVA Labs
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.