Dive into experiments with real data. Use instruments ranging from virtual microscopes to remotely controlled auto-titrators. The Laboratory hosts over 100 practical science activities with on-screen instruments, remote access equipment, citizen science platforms and virtual scenarios.
Filters
Subject
Study level
Type
Availability
Favourites
Sort by
Experiments
-
- Bio
- Health
Histology & histopathology
A collection of 320 annotated slides covering basic histology and histopathology.1-15 hours -
- Env
- Bio
Eating for energy
An investigation into why greater horseshoe bats are so rare in Britain today.1 hour -
- Env
- Bio
- Earth
Variation in vegetation: the heather hypothesis
Sample virtual transects to gather data on species of heather.2.5 hours -
- Env
- Earth
Maps and landforms
Learn how to interpret maps and how to use a compass.1 hour -
- Env
- Bio
- Chem
Sorting out soils
Examine the physical and chemical characteristics of soil.2.5 hours -
- Phys
- Astro
Fine Beam Tube
Access to real data from which users can determine a fundamental electron property.2-5 hours -
- Phys
Compton scattering
Remotely controlled Compton scattering: relativistic dynamics and the electron mass.4-5 hours -
- Env
- Bio
Exploring nature with iSpot
Identify anything in nature - a guide to help you develop your skills and interest in nature.1-3 hours -
- Env
- Bio
Ecological interactions on iSpot
Discover & record the ecological interactions among species.1-3 hours -
- Env
- Bio
Light Harvesters
Value the trees in your neighbourhood and see their environmental benefits using Treezilla.1-3 hours -
- Chem
- Phys
Elementary flame test
A simple demonstration of the characteristic colours produced by metallic salts in flames.1 hour -
- Bio
A-level: virtual microscope
A collection of slides covering animal and plant tissues in the school curriculum.1-2 hours or more -
- Bio
- Chem
Quantitative PCR analysis
Real time PCR, human CYP2D6 gene variants, gene copy number, controls, population analysis.1 hour -
- Chem
- Env
- Health
Pesticide analysis with GC-MS
Finding environmental pesticides by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.2.5 hours -
- Earth
- Env
VM for Earth sciences
Examine 3D specimens and microscope images of rocks, meteorites & moon rocks.1 hour or more -
- Earth
Igneous & metamorphic rock
Hand specimens and slabs of rocks and minerals found in the Lake District.1-2 hours -
- Earth
Sedimentary rocks and fossils
A reference set of hand specimens.1-2 hours -
- Env
- Bio
Comparing ecosystem benefits with Treezilla
Investigation of environmental benefits of different types of tree.30 mins -
- Env
- Bio
Treezilla
Map and record Britain's trees using Citizen Science.30 mins or more -
- Bio
- Chem
DNA quantitation
Spectrometry, micropipette, dilutions, quantitation, quality checks, controls.2 hours -
- Earth
- Env
Virtual petrographic microscope
Thin rock sections viewed under a polarising microscope.1-2 hours -
- Env
- Bio
Leaf Structure as Environment Indicator
Microscopic study of leaf structure relating to environment -
- Gen
The OpenScience Laboratory
-
- Gen
Studying Science at the OU
Links to Open University courses in science -
- Earth
- Env
The Digital Geology Kit
View mineral, rock and fossil specimens in high-quality images and videos.10 min - 10 h -
- Earth
- Astro
Mount Teide geology
Virtual microscope slides of thin sections10 min -
- Bio
- Health
Using the digital microscope to count leukocytes in blood samples
This activity allows you to use a digital microscope to test for the presence of infection in blood samples. -
- Env
- Gen
Weather Station
Live data from The OpenStem Labs weather station on the Open University campus -
- Bio
- Env
- Gen
- Health
A-Level Virtual microscopy
A collection of slides covering animal and plant tissues in the school curriculum. -
- Gen
The OpenSTEM Labs Outstanding Digital Innovation 2017THE Leadership & Management Awards -
- Astro
Planets and moons labcasts (S283, Moons MOOC)
Catch-up recordings of live interactive broadcasts -
- Earth
- Env
Blue Planet II labcasts
Catch-up recordings of live interactive broadcasts -
- Env
- Earth
Virtual Ocean Dives
A VR opportunity to experience a series of dives in a submersible at key locations around the world3 - 4 hours -
- Gen
The OpenSTEMLabs
Facts, figures and videos about the OpenSTEMLabs -
- Bio
- Earth
- Env
Hominid skull evolution
Explore the features of a collection of hominid skulls and take measurements that will enable you to determine the evolutionary relationships between them, investigating the march of bipedalism through the fossil record. -
- Earth
LA-ICP-MS
Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (LA-ICP-MS). -
- Gen
The OpenSTEM Labs Showcase
-
- Health
- Bio
Spirometer
Use the spirometer to investigate the impact of smoking on lung function. -
- Earth
- Env
Virtual Skiddaw Public Access
A virtual field trip in the Lake District of the UK. -
- Bio
- Health
Adipose tissue: virtual microscope
A collection of annotated slides covering adipose tissue.1-2 hours or more -
- Bio
Interactive 3D cells
Explore interactive 3D cells and learn about their structures. -
There are no experiments matching the current filter settings.
Page