These online ‘immersive’ simulations by ForgeFX are brilliant, and could really help students understand some key concepts in Science, Geography, and other subjects. They require shockwave installed so that they can work in your browser.

My personal favourite is the Heifer Village : Nepal (which takes time to download as it is an entire ‘3D’ game in your browser). This could definitely be used for studying development in Geography or Economics, considering sustainable farming practices through a “a serious game that teaches players about poverty and hunger”.

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Other highlights for Geography include:

Topographic Maps – dig and build a piece of relief and see how it alters the contours on a map

Earth’s Biomes – explore various biomes on a globe

Seismic Waves Training Simulation – for exploring the impact of Primary, Secondary and Surface Waves

3d Water Motion Simulator – change wind speed and watch the impact on (labelled) waves

There are good Biology simulations (explore a cow’s eye, plant and animal cell simulation, genetic drift simulation and even track an ant pheromone trail)

The 3D Solar System Simulator is very impressive.

There are a few more relevant to other disciplines – explore them here and here.