Free Science Labs with LabXchange and Little Alchemy
May 18, 2026
Free Science Simulations and Labs for Your Classroom
We’re holding on at the end of the school year, and this week on the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast, we’re talking about two science tools that can help keep students engaged without needing extra supplies, big budgets, or complicated setup.
These tools are especially helpful when you want students to explore science concepts digitally, make up missed lab work, get extra practice, or continue learning over the summer.
LabXchange
LabXchange is a free science learning platform from Harvard that brings together high-quality science resources, simulations, articles, teaching guides, case studies, and learning pathways.
It is especially useful for high school students, though many upper middle school students could use it as well.
What makes LabXchange helpful is the way it organizes science content by topic and standard. You can explore areas like:
- Life science
- Earth and space science
- Physical science
From there, you can dig into specific topics and find resources such as:
- Simulations
- Teaching guides
- Case studies
- Articles
- Design challenges
- Videos
- Hands-on exploration ideas
LabXchange also connects to other strong educational resources, including PhET, Khan Academy, Science Buddies, and more. That makes it a great “one-stop shop” when you’re looking for quality science support.
One especially useful feature is the Library section, where you can filter by content type. For example, if you only want simulations, you can search specifically for simulations and quickly find virtual labs for your topic.
This can be a big help when:
- budgets are tight
- students miss labs
- you need an alternative to a physical lab
- students need additional practice
- you want summer enrichment options
And yes, virtual frog dissection is available — all the science, none of the smell.
Little Alchemy 2
For younger students, or for a more relaxed science-thinking activity, Little Alchemy 2 is a fun option.
Students start with basic elements like:
- air
- earth
- fire
- water
Then they combine them to create new items and discover how different concepts connect. For example, combining water and air can create mist, and students continue building from there.
There are hundreds of items to discover, and the game keeps an encyclopedia of what students have created. This helps reinforce vocabulary, relationships, and scientific thinking in a simple and engaging way.
Little Alchemy 2 works well for:
- elementary students
- upper elementary and middle school enrichment
- early finishers
- summer challenges
- problem-solving practice
It feels like a game, but students are thinking critically, testing combinations, and making connections as they go.
Why These Tools Work
Both of these tools give students ways to explore science without needing a full lab setup.
LabXchange offers deeper, standards-aligned resources for older students, while Little Alchemy 2 provides an approachable, creative way for younger students to think about elements, combinations, and cause-and-effect relationships.
Whether you’re wrapping up the school year, supporting students who missed class, or sending home summer learning ideas, these are two science resources worth checking out.
Go educate and innovate.
— Shanna
TECH MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE