For many high school students, the world of science is experienced best through experimentation, seeing chemical reactions fizz, measuring light absorbance with a spectrophotometer, or virtually dissecting organisms. However, for students who, because of budget cutting, remote learning, or under-resourced schools, don't have access to lab equipment, science can feel like a disconnected set of rules to memorize from a textbook.
In this blog, you’ll explore ten of the most comprehensive, interactive, and free online labs designed for high schoolers who are eager to explore but limited by their circumstances. Each one opens a gateway to scientific thinking, even from a modest laptop or shared tablet. Let’s dive into the best free online lab resources for high school students, where science becomes accessible, empowering, and exciting, no goggles required.
1. PhET Interactive Simulations (University of Colorado Boulder)
PhET is a powerhouse in the world of online science and math education. Developed by Nobel Laureate Carl Wieman’s team at the University of Colorado Boulder, it hosts over 150 free simulations in physics, chemistry, biology, Earth science, and math.
PhET stands out because it models real-world phenomena using intuitive, game-like environments. A student learning about electricity, for example, can drag resistors and batteries onto a virtual circuit board, measure the current with a virtual ammeter, and tweak the resistance to see the impact in real-time.
PhET is especially valuable for students without access to physical tools. There’s no need for test tubes, beakers, voltmeters, or springs, every simulation is self-contained and accessible via a simple web browser. The visual design helps even struggling students grasp difficult concepts without needing an advanced mathematical background.
What’s more, teachers and students alike can download the simulations to work offline. PhET also offers activity worksheets, guided experiments, and challenge questions to extend learning.
2. LabXchange (Harvard University and the Amgen Foundation)
LabXchange is more than just a virtual lab, it’s an entire ecosystem built to democratize science education. Created by Harvard University with funding from the Amgen Foundation, LabXchange offers beautifully crafted modules that mix simulations, videos, and case studies into seamless learning pathways.
Students can investigate molecular biology by conducting a PCR (Polymerase chain reaction), analyze DNA gels to crack forensic puzzles, or even simulate gene editing using CRISPR-- all through their browser. LabXchange also features ethical scenarios that prompt students to consider the implications of science in real world contexts like genetic testing, or biohacking.
The interface is modular and allows users to create their own custom "pathways" based on their objectives. For instance, a student interested in biotechnology could combine the lab for gene editing with video interviews of scientists in the field and animated explanations of cell mechanics. LabXchange is constructed not only as a platform for teaching science, but as a platform that develops the way students think like scientists.
3. PraxiLabs
PraxiLabs transports the authentic experience of the lab to you with its immersive 3D simulations in physics, chemistry, and biology. It aims to simulate the environment of a scientific lab, with detailed protocols for safety considerations, data collection, and analysis. PraxiLabs is also unique with its multilingual interface and thought to pedagogical sequencing. Students can do activities like measure the acceleration due to gravity, assess optical lenses, or study the structure of animal cells.
While PraxiLabs is a paid product for institutions, it offers a free version for individuals that still includes a solid library of foundational experiments. The labs are structured around key learning objectives, and every simulation includes formative assessment tools.
4. ChemCollective
Hosted by Carnegie Mellon University, ChemCollective allows students to mix virtual chemicals, design experiments, and measure outcomes using a set of drag-and-drop tools. Want to test titration curves or calibrate a pH meter? ChemCollective guides you through the process interactively.
Their labs don't just replicate basic reactions, they incorporate experimental design, error analysis, and data interpretation. Students are taught to think like scientists by solving problems and drawing conclusions instead of merely following directions. In addition, many of the virtual labs include a downloadable worksheet, pre-lab questions, and post-lab reflections which are ideal for incorporating into the remote classroom.
5. Biology Simulations
Developed by a high school teacher, Biology Simulations is a treasure trove for students interested in life sciences. The website is clean, intuitive, and offers dozens of simulations ranging from ecological population models to genetic crosses and enzyme reactions.
The real magic lies in how the simulations encourage exploration. For example, students can adjust predator/prey populations to see how ecosystems stabilize or collapse. In other modules, they can conduct virtual experiments on bacterial resistance or test hypotheses on inheritance using digital Punnett squares.
Each simulation includes an introductory explanation and links to Google Docs-compatible worksheets that teachers can assign or students can use for self-guided learning.
6. Molecular Workbench (Concord Consortium)
Molecular Workbench provides a chemistry and physics framework at the atomic scale. Learners work with visualizations and simulations that move atoms and molecules to illustrate things like diffusion, reaction rates, and energy transfer. Using the interactive simulation, learners can vary the temperature, pressure, particle size, and other characteristics to see how matter behaves at the molecular level.
The simulations are in HTML5 so they will run on any modern web browser, and these do not require any plugins. Experiencing gas laws, chemical bonds or Brownian motion will open up the invisible processes that are happening.
7. Virtual Urchin (Stanford University)
Stanford’s Virtual Urchin project was created to introduce students to a new way of learning developmental biology (about sea urchins specifically) and marine science through hands-on inquiry. The virtual labs engage students in virtual fertilization experiments with sea urchins, monitor embryonic development, and enter and analyze real experimental data.
In addition to marine biology, Virtual Urchin addresses the bigger science skills of image analysis, graphing, and data interpretation. There is a section called “Understanding Experimental Design” that walks students through the process of hypothesis generation and variable control.
8. Visible Body (Free Human Anatomy Atlas Trial)
Visible Body provides some of the most detailed and interactive 3D atlases of human anatomy ever created. The full version of the program is a paid version, but there is an option for a free trial and a student educational access to nerve wrap through the program in layers- bone, muscle, organ, and body systems.
You can turn organs in 3D, dissect muscle groups, or click on arteries to see where they lead to. Students studying biology, or Health Sciences, will love how helpful it is visually viewing anatomical structures.
9. Learn Genetics (University of Utah)
This site has a wonderful design from the University of Utah’s Genetic Science Learning Center, and it is an engaging exploration of DNA, heredity, and genetic engineering. While Learn Genetics will not function as a "lab" in the traditional sense, there are interactive activities that allow students to manipulate DNA sequences, breed virtual organisms, and simulate genetic modifications.
Through the website students can explore: gene regulation (turning genes on and off); inheritance patterns; and inheritance of genetic mutations that cause disease. There are also innovative topics like epigenetics, CRISPR, and personal genomics.
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