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Experimental Design | Virtual Lab

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Higher Education
High School
Biology
Chemistry
Health Sciences
Experimental Design
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About This Simulation

Work as a pharmaceutical detective to identify the link between a new drug and a recent epidemic. Use the scientific method to design an experiment and perform a fluorescent cell assay to test your hypothesis.

Learning Objectives

  • Explain and apply the scientific method
  • Design an experiment and test a hypothesis
  • Correctly use experimental controls

About This Simulation

Level:
Higher Education
High School
Length:
35
Min
Accessibility Mode:
Available
Languages:
English
German
Spanish
French
Italian

Lab Techniques

  • Apoptosis assay
No lab techniques are listed for this simulation.

Related Standards

University:
NGSS:
  • No direct alignment
AP:
  • No direct alignment
LB:
  • No direct alignment
No related standards are listed for this simulation.

Learn More About This Simulation

About the Experimental Design Virtual Lab Simulation

In this simulation, you will learn how to design a scientific experiment. As a pharmaceutical detective, you have the chance to perform experiments with human volunteers, animals, and living human cells. Make sure that you choose the correct experimental model to design a scientifically sound experiment for testing the effect of the suspicious drug.

The scientific method

Humans have always strived to explain natural phenomena. In the first mission of the experimental design simulation, you will learn how to use the scientific method to investigate phenomena, acquire new knowledge, or correct and integrate existing knowledge. Every tool you need to use is available in this virtual lab.

Design an experiment and test your hypothesis

In your next mission you have the freedom to design your own experiment from scratch while examining biopsies under a microscope. Define your scientific question and choose the right model to test your hypothesis. And don’t be afraid to make mistakes – in this virtual simulation you can repeat the experiment as many times as you want.

Experimental controls

You will notice that there are many experimental variables in your experiment. Learn how to adjust them and understand why it’s so important to use experimental controls to verify your results. These controls will let you conclude whether a suspicious compound is the reason behind the reported epidemic. You’ll get to investigate the effect of different compounds and various concentrations of the same compound.

Will you be able to set up an experiment that can prove your suspicions?

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Professor Margaret Brady was able to enhance student learning with A&P virtual labs.
Margaret Brady
Associate Professor
North Dakota State College of Science

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Lecturer in Human Physiology
University of Westminster

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Curriculum Coordinator
Modesto City Schools

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Adjunct Instructor
Wenatchee Valley College

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Chemistry Lecturer
San José State University

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What is a Labster virtual lab?

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.

How is Labster different from other learning solutions?

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.

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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.

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