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ABLE Articles
Lab activities presented by ABLE members at our annual conferences, and then published in our proceedings.
Items published in the latest 2 volumes are available to ABLE members only. Earlier articles are publicly accessible.
- One fish, two fish, real fish, fake fish: using free online tools to teach tree thinking, Lemke HL, Davis AM, Advances in biology laboratory education, 2020, Volume 41
- Using Foldscope™ for offline exploration in online biology courses, Van Dommelen J, Fletcher J, Advances in biology laboratory education, 2020, Volume 41
- Learning about Photosynthesis through Interactive Modeling and Simulations, Resa Helikar, Joseph Dauer, Gretchen King, Tomáš Helikar, Lisa Briona, Tested Studies for Laboratory Teaching, 2019, Volume 40
- Understanding Adaptation and Reproductive Isolation through Experimentation and Data Analysis with HHMI’s Lizard Evolution Virtual Lab, Tara Jo Holmberg, Tested Studies for Laboratory Teaching, 2018, Volume 39
- Understanding Phylogenetic Trees as Hypothesis Testing Tools with HHMI’s™ Lizard Evolution Virtual Lab, Tara Jo Holmberg, Tested Studies for Laboratory Teaching, 2018, Volume 39
- Conversion Immersion: Adapting Labs for Online or On-Campus, Gillian Gass, Jennifer Van Dommelen, Tested Studies for Laboratory Teaching, 2015, Volume 36
- Use of HTML-based DNA Fingerprinting Simulations to Enhance Student Learning and Critical Thinking in Introductory Biology Courses, Marianne Niedzlek-Feaver, Betty Black, Tested Studies for Laboratory Teaching, 2015, Volume 36
- Using a Spreadsheet Simulation to Test Hypotheses about Genetic Drift and Selection?, Robert Kosinski, Tested Studies for Laboratory Teaching, 2015, Volume 36
- Simulations of Metabolic Reactions using Excel, Robert Kosinski, Tested Studies for Laboratory Teaching, 2014, Volume 35
- On-line Laboratories for Introductory Biology to Enhance Web-based Learning, Marianne Niedzlek-Feaver and Betty Black, Tested Studies for Laboratory Teaching, 2012, Volume 33.
- Use of Learning Objects as Lab Simulations in Biology, Michael Kolitsky, Tested Studies for Laboratory Teaching, 2012, Volume 33
Other Articles and Commentary
- Faulconer, E. K., & Gruss , A. B. (2018). A Review to Weigh the Pros and Cons of Online, Remote, and Distance Science Laboratory Experiences. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning 19 (2).
- Alison Flynn and Jeremy Kerr. Remote teaching: a practical guide with tools, tips, and techniques. A free online resource book that provides useful information on the full range of remote teaching issues.
- Loike, JD and M. Stolz Loike . 2020. Opinion: Making Online Teaching a Success. Includes a description of one of the author’s approach to taking a genetics immunology lab online by shifting focus to literature and experimental design.
- Nordmann, E., Horlin , C., Hutchison, J., Murray, J., Robson, L., Seery , M., & MacKay, J. R. D., Dr. (2020, April 27). 10 simple rules for supporting a temporary online pivot in higher education. See Rule 8.
- Online Learning Efficacy Database. Oregon State University’s E-campus Research Unit. Search for keyword “lab.”
- Teaching Online Podcast Episode 56: “The Last Mile”: Getting STEM Online
Open-Access/Free Resources
Thanks to Annette Shelton at Salt Lake Community College for compiling many of these resources (June 2020), to other ABLE members for submissions, and to Dan Johnson and Mark Walvoord for organizing and posting.
General Resources
Authentic Data Sets
Collections and General Repositories of Online Activities & OERs
Teaching Cases
Learning Games
- CD4 Hunter. By immersing real science within simple game play, users learn about the first step of HIV-1’s fascinating and complex replication cycle: binding and attachment.
- Hep B-Ware. Hep B-Ware is a 7-level game in which players take the role of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) navigating the bloodstream in search of a liver cell to infect.
- Malaria Invasion. Teaches players about essential aspects of the complex mechanism by which Plasmodium merozoites invade red blood cells (RBCs) while evading the immune system
- NobelPrize.org Education Games
Multimedia Resources (Video and Graphics)
Online Courses Examples
Open Education Resources (OER) Search Engines
Virtual Lab Environments
VR Excursions
Topic-Specific Resources
Anatomy, Physiology, Embryology, and Development
- Advancing Science Without Harming Animals. Virtual dissection
- BioDigital Human Anatomy Browser. This is a FREE app for exploring the body.
- Dissection 101: Dissection Resources for Classroom Use. Dissection videos for various species
- Fox Valley Tech College Virtual Dissections. List of virtual human dissection programs.
- PhysioEx. Human physiology simulations with notes & handouts
- The Science Bank. Virtual dissection
- UCLA Virtual Fish. A computer simulated fish
- UCLA Fraidy Rat. A computer simulated rat
- UNSW embryology. General and systems embryology (Text, images, videos)
- Virtual Physiology. Physiology, Pharmacology, Neuroscience
- Virtual Urchin. Interactive tutorials on microscope basics, development & embryology, ecology & environment, and basic biology.
- Whitman College Virtual Fetal Pig Dissection. Supplement to laboratory dissections exploring introductory mammalian anatomy and physiology
- Whole Frog. Interactive frog dissection with images, 3D rotatable images, stories, games.
Ecology, Conservation, and Environment
- Ecology Field Course Resources. Compiled list of available materials.
- The Habitable Planet – Annenburg Learner. A robust text plus lab simulations, lesson plans, movies, interviews, more.
- HHMI BioInteractive, Classroom Resources. “I’ve used the following two HHMI resources for my ecology lecture classes, survey methods, and exploring trophic cascades,” Isabelle Aube, ABLE member, Dalhousie University
- Network of Conservation Educators and Practitioners: Biodiversity and Conservation Modules. Over free 170 educational teaching modules (including case studies, data exercises, background materials, PowerPoints, teacher notes) that are downloadable, modifiable and geared towards undergraduate level (but adaptable)
Evolution and Selection
Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology
- Aipotu: a simulation of genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, and evolution. An interactive simulation of a single phenomenon that can be investigated using the tools of genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, and evolution.
- GelBox. Open Inquiry Simulation of DNA gel electrophoresis (only DNA currently)
- Gel Scramble. Critical thinking in molecular biology
- Genetics Web Lab Directory. Click through simulations with embedded instructions and teacher notes
- LabXchange/Amgen Biotech/Harvard. Fundamental biotechnology concepts and lab techniques.
- Learn.Genetics, Salt Lake City (UT): Genetic Science Learning Center, 2018. Modules on genetics, evolution, ecology, cell biology, human health, plants, neuroscience, and science tools.
- StarGenetics. Mendelian genetics cross simulator lets students run mating experiments between organisms that are genetically different across a range of traits.
- Teaching Genetics with Dragons. Genetics game with instructor guides, resources
- Virtual Genetics Lab. Virtual Genetics Lab
Microbiology and Epidemiology
- ActivEpi Web. A set of lectures, videos, datasets, activities for teaching epidemiology online.
- General Microbiology Labs. 25 Virtual labs + accompanying lab lecture notes for students
- An Adaptive Learning Introduction to Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), by Area9/Lyceum. Or, this course for health-care professionals. Complimentary courses to educate, separate facts from misconceptions, and help organizations keep people safe.
- Microbiology Virtual Lab. Animations, lessons, simulators, assignments
- Solve The Outbreak. Simulation of a virus outbreak.
- Virtual Interactive Bacteriology Laboratory. Virtual labs with pre-lab walk through.
Microscopy
- Microscopy Laboratory. Virtual microscope.
- Virtual Microscope. Virtual electron, light, and scanning probe microscopes, 90 samples of multi-dimensional, high-resolution image datasets. The Virtual Microscope, available for free download.
- Virtual Scanning Electron Microscope. Interactive microscope with different samples and ability to change focus, contrast, brightness and magnification. Includes curriculum, tutorials.
Neuroscience
Statistics and Mathematics for Biology
Commercial Resources
- Bio-Rad Labs email blast with links to lab technique videos and downloadable activities.
- Explore Learning Gizmos. Several simulations and activities, but focused on grades 3-12.
- Hands-On Labs. Customizable kits contain all of the materials your students need to safely conduct sophisticated labs from the comfort and convenience of their home.
- Hayden-McNeil Lab Simulations. Realistic biology and chemistry lab simulations offer an authentic experience that moves learning beyond the classroom.
- John Wiley & Sons Inc., COVID-19: Online teaching resources.
- Labster, Bringing Learning Online in Response to COVID-19.“Generally good labs with more of a ‘virtual’ lab feel than others we have tested. The company is pretty easy to work with. We are now using Labster for one of our labs that is moving online. Labster is running a reduced price for individual courses that need to use Labster or a flat rate for department (up to 5 courses) and university (up to 20 courses) subscriptions,” Laurel Rodgers, Shenandoah University, ABLE member
- McGraw Hill Higher Education, Virtual Lab.
- MiniPCR offers several resources for educators, some specific to this time of COVID-19.
- Moving your course online due to COVID-19? We’re here to help. McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
- MyLab Custom Kits for Distance Learning. Single-use experiments sent directly to students
- Norton is here to help. W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.
- SimBio produces software that uses sophisticated interactive simulations to teach biology in an inquiry-driven learning style.)
- “The modules walk students through information about each topic and the experimental process with good questions to test student’s understanding, so we’ve used them as supplements to face-to-face labs in the past. I am using their introductory biology module for my non-majors biology course to finish out our lab this semester online. It was VERY easy to set up an account with the labs I need and send it out to my students. They are currently running a special, given COVID-19, for you use an entire module for free this semester,” Laurel Rodgers, Shenandoah University, March 2020.
- Tips for moving a class online quickly. Dr. Stephanie Tacquard, for Pearson.
