The OpenScience Laboratory

An initiative of The Open University and The Wolfson Foundation

This online laboratory brings interactive practical science to students anywhere and anytime the internet is available. The laboratory features investigations based on on-screen instruments, remote access experiments and virtual scenarios using real data. Several activities are available to all, while others are available only to registered users.

Come in and look around.

Lab tour

If you close this box, you can still see it at any time by clicking About from the main header above.

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Popular experiments

  • Elementary flame test

    Subject Chem Phys

    A simple demonstration of the characteristic colours produced by metallic salts in flames.

    Time required 1 hour
    Open to the public

  • A-level: virtual microscope

    Subject Bio

    A collection of slides covering animal and plant tissues in the school curriculum.

    Time required 1-2 hours or more
    Open to the public

  • Quantitative PCR analysis

    Subject Bio Chem

    Real time PCR, human CYP2D6 gene variants, gene copy number, controls, population analysis.

    Time required 1 hour
    Open to the public

All experiments (random order, page 1 of 5)

  • OEL Video Test

    Subject Eng

    Welcome to the video test for the OpenEngineering Lab. This is designed to check that your computer/tablet and network combination can successfully connect to the resources in the laboratory.

    Time required
    Open to the public

  • Sorting out soils

    Subject Env Bio Chem

    Examine the physical and chemical characteristics of soil.

    Time required 2.5 hours
    Open to the public

  • The OpenSTEM Labs Showcase

    Subject Gen

    Time required
    Open to the public

  • VM for Earth sciences

    Subject Earth Env

    Examine 3D specimens and microscope images of rocks, meteorites & moon rocks.

    Time required 1 hour or more
    Open to the public

  • Light Harvesters

    Subject Env Bio

    Value the trees in your neighbourhood and see their environmental benefits using Treezilla.

    Time required 1-3 hours
    Open to the public

  • Quantitative PCR analysis

    Subject Bio Chem

    Real time PCR, human CYP2D6 gene variants, gene copy number, controls, population analysis.

    Time required 1 hour
    Open to the public

  • The OpenSTEMLabs

    Subject Gen

    Facts, figures and videos about the OpenSTEMLabs

    Time required
    Open to the public

  • Pesticide analysis with GC-MS

    Subject Chem Env Health

    Finding environmental pesticides by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.

    Time required 2.5 hours
    Open to the public

  • Human Heart app

    Subject Bio
    Time required
    Open to the public
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