Labster

What Labster is

Labster provides interactive virtual lab assignments for learning foundational science and practicing lab techniques and procedures. Its catalog spans STEM subjects and contains more than 300 virtual lab simulations. Each simulation offers a guided scenario, allows learners to repeat it at their own pace without a stated limit, and gives students instant feedback. For assessment, the platform includes automatic grading, customizable quizzes, and a modular assignment builder. A course mapping tool helps instructors match virtual labs to a syllabus, and Labster lists compatibility with Canvas, Google Classroom, Blackboard, Moodle, Schoology, and D2L Brightspace.

Simulations run on Windows and Mac computers in supported browsers. Some are available on iPads and Chromebooks through the Labster app; smartphones, including iPhones and Android phones, cannot play simulations. Labster is available for purchase by instructors, faculty, and administrators at educational institutions. A free trial is available, and paid pricing is on request. Custom institutional or department engagements typically begin at $5,000 a year, with final pricing depending on the solution and implementation requirements. Labster is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, and Copenhagen, Denmark.

Who it suits

Labster suits instructors, faculty, and administrators at educational institutions who want virtual science labs with guided practice and assessment tools. Its course mapping tool and listed LMS compatibility can help fit simulations into an existing syllabus and learning environment.

Getting started

1. Visit the Labster website.
2. Check that the intended device is supported: Windows or Mac in a supported browser, or an iPad or Chromebook for some simulations through the app.
3. Request a free trial.
4. If purchasing, contact Labster about an institutional or department engagement; purchases are available to instructors, faculty, and administrators at educational institutions.

Verdict

Choose Labster if you need guided virtual science practice, assessment tools, and a way to match labs to a syllabus. It offers a broad STEM simulation library and several LMS integrations. Institutions looking for smartphone-based simulation access should look elsewhere, since smartphones are not supported for playing simulations.