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About This Simulation
Join this virtual confocal microscopy lab and learn how to take pin-sharp confocal micrographs and 3D renderings. Use the knowledge to save your uncle’s crop from a mysterious plant disease.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the principles of confocal microscopy
- Use the basic functions of a confocal microscope
- Select the optimal settings to take confocal micrographs
- Acquire confocal images and create 3D renderings
- Describe the setup of a confocal microscope
- Discuss the advantages of confocal microscopy over conventional optical microscopy
About This Simulation
Lab Techniques
- Laser scanning confocal microscopy
- Staining of plant samples for fluorescence microscopy
Related Standards
- Early Stage Bachelors Level
- Early Stage Masters Level
- EHEA First Cycle
- EHEA Second Cycle
- FHEQ 6
- FHEQ 7
- Intermediate Stage Bachelors Level
- Late Stage Bachelors Level
- US College Year 1
- US College Year 2
- US College Year 3
- US College Year 5
- US College Year 4
- Support for laboratory skills at all levels
Learn More About This Simulation
Are you tired of blurry fluorescent microscope images and do you want to move to the next level? In the Confocal Microscopy simulation, you will learn about the benefits of using a confocal microscope over other optical imaging techniques. You’ll get to take a closer look at the setup of this type of microscope and learn how to operate it.
Identify the plant disease
Your overall task will be to investigate a mysterious plant disease found at your uncle’s farm. You’ll make a visit to the farm and take an infected barley sample back to the lab where you canl take a closer look at the specimen by using confocal microscopy.
Take a look inside the microscope
In the Confocal Microscopy lab, you’ll be able to look inside a confocal microscope. Follow the lightpath along the mirrors and through the pinhole, and you’ll soon learn how the powerful light of a laser is used to scan a sample of a single layer. See how the pinhole contributes to the formation of razor-sharp fluorescent images.
Analyze the 3D structure
Your last task in the Confocal Microscopy lab is to choose the optimal exposure and scan line speed to take the best possible fluorescence images of the stained crop sample. Finally, you will take a stack of confocal images to create a 3D rendering that will help you to investigate what has infected your uncle’s barley.
Are you ready to identify the plant disease and give your uncle advice on a potential treatment to save his crops
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For Science Programs Providing a Learning Advantage
North Dakota State College of Science
“They did the simulation at home, then completed the in-person lab within 30 minutes, no questions asked, and passed the quiz with flying colors.”
Lecturer in Human Physiology
University of Westminster
"I saw some of the students who clearly didn’t necessarily like sitting there reading a book discover they could turn on Labster and keep up with the rest of the class because it spoke to them.
Modesto City Schools
"Having something that's engaging for the students gives teachers that opportunity to breathe and get excited again. Because they're seeing the kids light up, they're seeing the kids engage with content."
Wenatchee Valley College
"The question always is, ‘Can we demonstrate that the students are meeting course outcomes?’ Check! We can do that.”
San José State University
"We surveyed over 400 students. More than 90% thought Labster was easy to navigate, and that it was fun, but more importantly, most of them felt confident that they could execute the labs in person. And that confidence is a big deal."
FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions.
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A Labster virtual lab is an interactive, multimedia assignment that students access right from their computers. Many Labster virtual labs prepare students for success in college by introducing foundational knowledge using multimedia visualizations that make it easier to understand complex concepts. Other Labster virtual labs prepare learners for careers in STEM labs by giving them realistic practice on lab techniques and procedures.
Labster’s virtual lab simulations are created by scientists and designed to maximize engagement and interactivity. Unlike watching a video or reading a textbook, Labster virtual labs are interactive. To make progress, students must think critically and solve a real-world problem. We believe that learning by doing makes STEM stick.
Yes, Labster is compatible with all major LMS (Learning Management Systems) including Blackboard, Canvas, D2L, Moodle, and many others. Students can access Labster like any other assignment. If your institution does not choose an LMS integration, students will log into Labster’s Course Manager once they have an account created. Your institution will decide which is the best access method.
Labster is available for purchase by instructors, faculty, and administrators at education institutions. Purchasing our starter package, Labster Explorer, can be done using a credit card if you are located in the USA, Canada, or Mexico. If you are outside of North America or are choosing a higher plan, please speak with a Labster sales representative. Compare plans.
Labster supports a wide range of STEM courses at the high school, college, and university level across fields in biology, chemistry, physics, and health sciences. You can identify topics for your courses by searching our Content Catalog.