At Pearson, we create vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. Pearson Interactive Labs bring this promise to life through its immersive, game-like simulations, easy-to-use workflows, and a design that sparks curiosity and builds knowledge at every turn. The result? A virtual platform that makes complex science feel real – and fun – available anytime, anywhere.
We’re so proud that Pearson Interactive Labs has been named the 2025 CODiE Award winner for Best Science Instructional Solution, a recognition that celebrates innovation, accessibility, and impact in science education. What makes this virtual lab platform stand out in a crowded field? Here are three reasons Interactive Labs is in a league of its own.
Realistic, Immersive Simulations – Anytime, Anywhere
Interactive Labs delivers authentic science experiences that mirror the rigor and excitement of in-person wet labs, but with the flexibility of digital access. Whether students are exploring muscle contraction in anatomy and physiology, investigating enzyme activity in biology, or tackling microbial contamination in microbiology, each lab is designed to simulate real-world procedures and scenarios. The platform’s interactive animations and inquiry-based exercises allow students to build critical lab skills and apply scientific concepts in context on their own schedule.
Dr. Katie Salmeron, an Anatomy & Physiology instructor at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, shared her thoughts on the comprehensive nature of Interactive Labs. “In a single assessment, you get the pre-lab information, the hands-on experiment, and critical thinking questions with the added draw of a visually compelling and user-friendly interface. It looks polished and feels like a computer game.”
Designed to Spark Curiosity and Deepen Understanding
Interactive Labs is built to engage students from the very first moment. Each lab begins with a real-world anecdote or “spark” that ignites curiosity, followed by clear, step-by-step instructions and opportunities for students to make mistakes and learn from them in a lower-stakes environment. The platform’s modular structure allows instructors to engage students through interactive assignments, embedded videos, and a variety of question types that reinforce core concepts and help students strengthen their critical thinking skills.
Accessibility and Ease of Use for All Learners
We designed Interactive Labs with accessibility at its heart, ensuring it meets WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) 2.1 AA standards for screen reader compatibility and keyboard navigation. The labs are easy to assign through Mastering, integrate seamlessly with learning management systems, and provide auto-graded assignments and actionable feedback.
This is more than a virtual alternative to the in-person lab experience. It’s a transformative solution that empowers educators and students to connect, explore, and excel in science. As the 2025 CODiE Award judges recognized, it’s a product that balances authenticity, accessibility, and innovation, setting a new standard for science instruction.
Learn more about Pearson Interactive Labs and explore the full list of 2025 CODiE Award winners.