Connecting a Generation to Science

The Cogs Website supports the integration of NASA's Virtual Lab into middle and high school science classrooms.

You can help to connect a generation of students to science now.

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Install

Watch the Installation Video

Download NASA's Virtual Lab

How to Begin

Use the videos above or you can go right to the download page where there are step-by-step directions. When you download the Virtual Lab keep in mind that in school your technology coordinator can help with installation. You will want to do this in advance and practice with the software before you teach.

Find Support

We have found that the support of your school administration helps to accelerate the installation by school technology staff. The staff can help install on multiple machines while also working around any security software that is in place. The software can be downloaded and saved onto a DVD and then installed on machines that do not have Web access. As a teacher you can install as many copies as you need. This means you can have a copy at home as well as in your classroom.

Next Steps

Once you have the software installed then explore the specimens available
and download the ones you are interested in. Each specimen is a large file so you may have a wait while it downloads. Only install ones that you will use and get rid of those you will not use or that you are finished using for the year. This will make you machine run faster.

A Quick Start-up Tip:

The Virtual Lab Specimens are made of many images and have large file sizes. The size of the file determines the time it takes to download. If you want to download a series of specimens and you do not have much time or if you have a slow connection you may want to start with these. Later on you can target and download larger specimens that match specific lesson plans, but this is a fairly quick way to begin exploring on your own.

Microbial Mat 1
Built from raw data totalling 647.9MB (226.4 megapixels)
Download Size: 85.8 MB

Penicillium
Built from raw data totalling 90.6MB (31.7 megapixels)
Download Size: 2.1 MB

Pyrite 3
Built from raw data totalling 71.1MB (24.8 megapixels)
Download Size: 2.7 MB

Spirogyra
Built from raw data totalling 529MB (184.9 megapixels)
Download Size: 17.8 MB

Tapeworm (Taenia Pisiformis)
Built from raw data totalling 829.9MB (290.1 megapixels)
Download Size: 40.8 MB

Return now to the Cogs homepage for more options.