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The purpose of the work was to create an educational game to familiarize the user with the methodology of preparing a material sample for light microscopy. The goal of the game is to obtain a correct preparation of the sample, the microstructure of which can be observed under a light microscope. The game was developed in the Unity environment. All three-dimensional machine models, along with the necessary virtual environment and the gameplay scenario, were created. Due to the use of virtual reality, it has become possible to teach students how to use preparation devices without the need for the physical presence of students in the laboratory in an attractive and safe way. Failure to play the game will not damage material, or equipment, there is no risk to the user’s health. The game has been developed and is available in the Department of Engineering Materials and Biomaterials of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the Silesian University of Technology. The form of a 3D game used in this study is an interesting alternative to traditional teaching aids. It can be used not only by students but also teachers and other people who want to broaden their knowledge about the functioning and methods of operation of laboratory equipment.

Purpose: This article is presenting the Material Science Virtual Laboratory. Developed laboratory is an open scientific, investigative, simulating and didactic medium helpful in the realisation of the scientific and didactic tasks in the field of material Science. It is implemented in the Institute of Engineering Materials and Biomaterials of Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice, Poland. Design/methodology/approach: The laboratory is a set of testers and training simulators, set in the Virtuality and created in several languages and the programming techniques, which interprets the properties, functionality and manual rules of actual equipment installed and accessible in the real science labs of scientific universities. Findings: Application of the equipment, that is practically imperishable, cheap in exploitation and ease in the use encourages students and scientific workers to independent audits and experiments in places, where the possibilities of their performance in the real investigative laboratory will be restricted because of the high material costs, difficult access to real equipment or the possible peril of his impairment. Research limitations/implications: The proposed solutions allow the utilisation of the developed virtual environment as a new medium in both, the scientific work performed remotely, as well as in education during classes. Practical implications: The usage possibilities of the virtual laboratory are practically unrestricted; it can be a foundation for any surveys, course or training plan. Originality/value: The project of the virtual laboratory corresponds with the global tendency for expand the investigative and academic centres about the possibilities of training and experiments performance with use of the virtual reality. This enriches investigation and training programmes of the new abilities reserved so far exclusively for effecting only on actual equipment.