Review by Debbie Gorrell, Common Sense Education | Updated May 2015
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Classic Experiments in Science History FULL

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  • Download on Google Play
  • Download from App Store

Historical journey teaches important concepts; lacks hands-on fun

Subjects & skills
Subjects
  • Science
Skills
  • Character & SEL
  • Critical Thinking
Grades This grade range is based on learning appropriateness and doesn't take into account privacy. It's determined by Common Sense Education, not the product's publisher.
6–8
Common Sense says (See details)
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Not yet reviewed
Price:  Free, Paid $1.99 on iTunes, $2.04 on Google Play
Platforms:  Android, iPad

Take a look inside

4 images
Kids can choose from six different scientists as they begin to explore.
Options include Experiment, Theory, and Biography.
Kids can test their knowledge by answering a series of questions.
Kids learn about gravity and other important science concepts.

Pros: Learn the history and science of the development of important scientific theories and laws.

Cons: Despite the app's name, actual experiments and lab ideas are not included.

Bottom Line: Kids will learn a lot about the history behind some of science's core insights, but they won't get to do any experiments of their own.

How Can I Teach with This Tool?

Use Classic Experiments in Science History FULL as an introduction to a relevant science unit. Have kids read the Theory section and then try to answer the questions. Make sure they keep track of their correct and incorrect answers and take notes on the explanations. As you come to the end of the unit, kids can try answering the questions again to assess their understanding. Have kids use the Biographies section to help them create a poster or timeline that highlights the major events in the development of a theory or law.

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Standards:

Classic Experiments in Science History FULL lets kids explore the origins of several key scientific insights. The simple interface needs no introduction: Kids begin by selecting one of the six scientists on the main page, each of whom has a different theory or law that shares his name. Then, kids can chose from Experiment, Theory, or Biography. The Experiment option takes kids through a series of questions related to the theory or law at hand. After answering a question, kids can watch a brief video that illustrates the answer, followed by a written explanation. The Theory option provides the background behind the theory or law. The Biography option provides a biography of the scientist, with a focus on the development of the scientific concepts.

Kids can learn about the history and science that connects people with the phenomena that share their names, like the Doppler effect and Newton's gravitational theory. After reading about the theories and laws, kids can answer questions to apply what they've learned. Kids can also read biographies of the scientists who contributed to the development of these ideas. Videos and graphics support the text, and the information is accurate and age-appropriate.

Unfortunately, the interactive elements of this app are limited. Kids learn by doing, especially in science; with this tool, some kids and teachers might be frustrated that kids can only read about science, not do any on their own. Plus, there isn't any data tracking to speak of; kids have to gauge their own progress as they answer questions and read about different people and theories. Some hands-on lesson plans or labs would up the learning experience significantly.

Overall Rating
Engagement Is the product stimulating, entertaining, and engrossing? Will kids want to return?

Graphics and videos help break up the text. Most kids would be more interested if there were more interactive elements or ideas for them to do experiments.

Pedagogy Is learning content seamlessly baked-in, and do kids build conceptual understanding? Is the product adaptable and empowering? Will skills transfer?

Cool activities empower kids to explore at their own pace and apply what they learn.

Support Does the product take into account learners of varying abilities, skill levels, and learning styles? Does it address both struggling and advanced students?

Instructions are not necessary; navigation is pretty straightforward. A parent section is lacking, and detailed classroom connections or lesson ideas would be a welcome addition.

Common Sense Reviewer
Debbie Gorrell Educator
About our ratings and privacy evaluation.

Key Standards Supported

Reading Science/Technical

  • RST.6-8.10

    By the end of grade 8, read and comprehend science/technical texts in the grades 6–8 text complexity band independently and proficiently.

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Key Standards Supported

Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits

  • MS-LS3-2

    Develop and use a model to describe why asexual reproduction results in offspring with identical genetic information and sexual reproduction results in offspring with genetic variation.

Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions

  • MS-PS2-3

    Ask questions about data to determine the factors that affect the strength of electric and magnetic forces.

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