Getting Started with Stemble Simulations
Stemble simulations give you a hands-on way to work through lab activities directly in your web browser. Here’s what to know before you get started.
How Stemble simulations run
Stemble simulations run directly in your web browser using JavaScript, which powers the interactive controls, animations, and other simulation features.
When you open a simulation, your browser receives the files it needs and then runs the simulation locally on your device. The simulation itself does not run on Stemble’s servers.
That means your browser and computer are doing the work of displaying the simulation, responding to your actions, and updating the activity as you work.
Because of this, the performance of a simulation can depend on your browser, your device, and how many resources are available.
For the best experience
We recommend:
- Using a laptop or desktop computer
- Using an up-to-date version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox
- Closing browser tabs and applications you don’t need
- Ending live video calls when possible
- Avoiding streaming, screen recording, gaming, or other demanding activities while using a simulation
Live video calls such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and FaceTime can be particularly demanding because your device is continuously processing video and audio. If you need to stay on a call, using a separate device for the call may help.
Moving around the simulation
Move the camera
Click and hold in the simulation, then drag your mouse to move around the environment.
Zoom in and out
Use your mouse wheel or trackpad to zoom in and out.
You can also double-click an item to zoom directly in on it.
To zoom back out:
- Press Enter on your keyboard, or
- Select Zoom Out in the top-right corner.
Follow the guidance
The guidance panel tells you what to do at each step of the simulation.
Select the arrow in the top-left corner to show or hide the guidance.
If you’re ever unsure what to do next, checking the current guidance is a great place to start.
Simulation controls
You’ll also find a few helpful controls around the simulation:
- Help: View information about using the simulation.
- Hide Controls: Show or hide additional controls that appear when working with certain equipment.
- Zoom Out: Return to the wider simulation view.
- Reset: Restart the simulation from the beginning.
- Full Screen: Expand the simulation to use more of your screen.
If you’re having a technical issue, refreshing your browser provides a more complete restart than using Reset.
What’s next?
Ready to start working in the lab? Check out Using Equipment and Materials.