About Simbio | SimBio

Since 1998, SimBio has been at the forefront of interactive biology education for colleges nationwide.

SimBio produces software that uses sophisticated interactive simulations to teach biology in an inquiry-driven learning style. We also conduct grant-funded research to understand how to make educational software more effective. Our products allow students to conduct simulated experiments similar to those performed by practicing scientists, in fields of biology where live experiments are impractical or impossible.

Our goal is to improve biology education through the appropriate use of advanced technology. And to help make teaching and learning biology fun!

SimBio was founded (as BeakerWare) in 1998 to distribute the second version of EcoBeaker^®, our flagship program for teaching ecology using simulated experiments. Since then we have developed or assisted in developing programs for teaching evolution (EvoBeaker^®), basic cell physiology (OsmoBeaker^®), and neurobiology (NerveWorks™). We then integrated our labs into SimBio Virtual Labs^®. We've conducted a substantial amount of research on the educational effectiveness of our modules, funded in part with grants from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. In addition, we've adapted our programs to produce several museum exhibits.

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2022 Conferences

Association for Biology Laboratory Education - Victoria, BC (6/21 - 6/24)
Ecological Society of America - Montreal, QC (8/14 - 8/19)
Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research - Minneapolis, MN (7/10 - 7/13)

“[SimBio’s modules] provide a powerful environment for hands-on, active learning in Ecology and Evolution. The depth, design, and pedagogical effectiveness of these packages is unequaled. They have greatly enriched student interest and understanding in all of my courses, from Introductory Biology to Advanced Population Biology”

— Dr. Brad Lister

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

“The lab simulations have been very helpful to reinforce the lecture content and encourage students to use critical thinking skills to solve problems.”

— Patti Fallest-Strobl

Neumann University

“I was amazed how quickly and effortlessly the simulation taught them a dynamic system.”

— Paula Philbrick

University of Connecticut

“The students like [it] so much that they are working ahead of what I have assigned. They just think it’s fun. And from the quiz results I have so far, they’re really getting it. You guys are geniuses.”

— Paulette Bierzychudek

Lewis & Clark College

“Since we began using Simbio’s Ecology chapters our students consistently come to class better prepared. This is a key to the success of our hybrid flipped classroom approach.”

— Dr. Peter Curtis

Ohio State University

“That was the most fun I’ve had teaching ecology and, I would venture to guess, the most fun my students have had taking ecology from me.”

— Matt Orr

Oregon State University, Cascades

“Our students are more prepared and our class discussions are more sophisticated because SimUText is such a great out of class “instructor”. Since our students have SimUText preparation we can spend class time applying concepts and evaluating new information.”

— Emily Bernhardt

Duke University

“I LOVE that every lab is based on a real study. I LOVE that all of the labs offer an open-ended inquiry. I LOVE that the labs gradually teach the concepts and build up a repertoire of data collection techniques. Thank you, for creating them.”

— Jeanette Williams

Community College of Vermont

“I just wanted to say how great simutext has been. I could have memorized facts about the electron transport chain and passed the test, but would not have had any solid concept of what was happening inside. I hope that we continue to use it often even when things return to normal.”

— Student

Rochester Community and Technical College

“Congratulations for developing such a high quality chapter. I was very impressed by its comprehensiveness, accuracy, and thoughtful design. It really is superb.”

— Richard Boone

Humboldt State University

“I recommend your modules to anyone I can, because of all the online materials I’ve found, SimBio is really the best in content and best managed. I am definitely a SimBio fan!”

— Valerie Anderson

Marymount California University