Virtual Labs

Labster Heading into Danish High Schools

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 05/30/19

A company that produces virtual laboratory simulations for education has struck a deal with the Danish Ministry of Education to provide its schools with access to its programs. Beginning this month, students in lower secondary (grades 8-10) and upper secondary grades will have access to STEM-focused simulations from Labster, which has its headquarters in Denmark.

Labster has produced 70-plus virtual labs for biology, chemistry, physics, engineering and general sciences. Students get access to a realistic lab experience that uses 3D immersion and virtual versions of cutting-edge equipment, allowing them to perform experiments and practice their science skills in a risk-free learning environment.

According to analysis by the Danish government, the company said, one in three high schools in the country are currently using interactive labs. In those schools where the technology was deployed, the research showed increases in student learning, motivation, confidence and interest in scientific subjects.

"This partnership will help foster greater interest in STEM topics by students at an early age that leads to more pursuing careers in these fields," said company co-founder Michael Bodekaer in a statement. "At Labster, our goal is to empower the next generation of scientists, and to do it in our home country of Denmark makes it that much more special."

Currently, Labster can be run through a browser on a computer or Chromebook (not a tablet or smartphone) and with a virtual reality headset. The VR simulation versions of the labs require either the Lenovo Mirage Solo headset with Google's Daydream or a Google Daydream View headset and Daydream-ready phone.