Introducing the PTC Taster Digital Lab
We are pleased to announce the PTC Taster Digital Lab: a powerful new tool for bringing genetics to life in the classroom. Based on our bestselling PTC Taster Learning Lab, this interactive, narrative-driven virtual lab makes it easy to engage students in authentic scientific inquiry—with or without lab equipment.
Why use the PTC Taster Digital Lab in your classroom?
- Engaging, video-driven narrative
The PTC Taster Digital Lab doesn’t just show students a protocol—it immerses them in a scientific investigation. Through short videos, we explain how each step of the experiment gets us closer to connecting genotype and phenotype. This narrative-driven approach keeps students engaged while reinforcing key biological concepts. - Reference results for guaranteed data analysis
One challenge of classroom experiments is that things don’t always go as planned—contamination, errors, or equipment issues can leave students without meaningful data. In the PTC Taster Digital Lab, data analysis exercises are anchored to high-quality reference results, allowing every student to hone their analytical skills. - Autograded assessment questions
Assessing student understanding is seamless with built-in, autograded questions. These questions reinforce core concepts, provide instant feedback, and help teachers track student progress—all without adding to their grading workload.
Digital Lab assessment questions are autograded for immediate feedback
The PTC Taster Digital Lab includes two resources so you can craft the right experience for your students. Our Digital Lab Companion includes a lab protocol to guide students through the steps of the hands-on PTC Taster Lab experiment. Our Digital Lab Simulation is a fully virtual experience that requires no hands-on equipment.
Three ways to use the PTC Taster Digital Lab:
- For classrooms without lab equipment
Not every school has access to equipment like PCR thermal cyclers or micropipettes—but that shouldn’t stop students from experiencing molecular biology. The PTC Taster Digital Lab Simulation allows students to run a complete genotyping experiment virtually, making it an ideal solution for classrooms with limited lab resources. - For classrooms short on time
The PTC Taster Learning Lab typically takes multiple class periods to complete. If time is tight, the PTC Taster Digital Lab Simulation allows students to complete the experiment in a single lesson while still engaging in data collection and analysis. - For seamless hands-on and digital integration
Teachers using the hands-on PTC Taster Learning Lab can level up their classroom experience with the PTC Taster Digital Lab Companion. The experimental protocol is illustrated with photo and video, showing students how their experiment should look every step of the way. And integrated assessments check for understanding at every stage, ensuring a seamless learning experience.
Reference results are included with every Digital Lab
The PTC Taster Digital Lab offers a flexible, engaging, and effective way to bring genetics to life—whether you’re teaching in a fully virtual setting, a traditional classroom, or something in between. Purchase a license to assign PTC Digital to your students today.
