Using Equipment and Materials

Stemble simulations use a few visual cues to show you what you can select, move, or use. Once you know what they mean, working through a simulation gets much easier.

Selecting equipment and materials

Move your cursor over an object.

If blue rings appear around it, you can select it.

Click the object to select it. To clear your selection, click an empty area of the simulation.

[H2] What happens after I select something?

You’ll usually see one of three things.

Nothing appears

That can be completely normal.

The simulation may be waiting for you to select another piece of equipment or material.

For example, an empty beaker may be ready to receive a liquid. Check the current guidance to see what you should select next.

An orange placement appears

An orange placement shows you where the selected object can be moved.

Select the orange placement to move the object there.

Green rings appear

Green rings show you another object that can be used with the one you selected.

For example, if you select a bottle of deionized water, green rings may appear around the beaker you need to fill.

Select the object with the green rings to continue.

Working with liquids

Liquids are usually transferred by selecting the container holding the liquid, then selecting the equipment you want to add it to.

If green rings appear around another container, that means the selected liquid can be transferred there.

Once you begin the transfer, the simulation may zoom in and show controls for adjusting the amount of liquid being added.

Some simulations work a little differently and may ask you to place one container beside another before the liquid can be transferred.

For step-by-step instructions on pouring and measuring liquids, see How to Pour and Measure Liquids in a Stemble Simulation.

Working with solid samples

Depending on the simulation, you may transfer a solid sample directly between containers or use a spatula or scoopula.

If a transfer tool is needed:

1. Select the spatula or scoopula.
2. Look for an available placement near the sample.
3. Select the placement to begin the transfer.

Some simulations will ask you to enter an exact mass. If a prompt appears, enter the numerical value, such as 0.95, and select Submit.

Using equipment buttons

Some equipment has buttons you can select directly, such as the power button on a balance.

If a button doesn’t respond, don’t worry. It may not be needed at that point in the simulation.

Check the guidance to make sure you’re at the right step.

Opening an equipment menu

Some equipment has additional options available through a menu.

To open one:

1. Make sure the equipment isn’t currently selected.
2. Click and hold the equipment.
3. Select the option you need from the menu.

Select Cancel to close the menu.

If the menu doesn’t appear, click an empty area to clear your current selection, then try again.

Having trouble?

If you can’t select or move something, check out I Can’t Select or Move Equipment.