App review by Debbie Gorrell, Common Sense Education | Updated August 2014
Osmos
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Osmos

Fun, challenging physics-based game focuses on concepts, not content

Get it now
  • Download on Google Play
  • Download from App Store
  • Download on Amazon
Learning rating
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Community rating
Based on 2 reviews
Privacy rating
Not yet rated Expert evaluation by Common Sense
Grades
6–12
Subjects & Skills
Science, Critical Thinking
Price:  $2.99
Platforms:  Android, iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch
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Take a look inside

4 images
Kids can play in three modes: Odyssey, Arcade, or Multiplayer.
Use principles of motion to control the movement of orbs.
Primary goal is to grow the orb; be careful not to shrink it!
Orbs grow by absorbing other orbs.

Pros: Puzzler challenges kids to problem-solve by applying basic principles of physics.

Cons: The game is slow-paced and requires a tremendous amount of patience and focus, which could be difficult for some kids.

Bottom Line: Engaging way for kids to apply principles of motion and problem-solving skills is best suited for kids who enjoy a challenge and don't need a lot of direction or built-in support.

How Can I Teach with This Tool?

Osmos could be a creative tool for kids who are learning about forces and motion, particularly Newton's Law of Motion. As kids learn to grasp the concept that for every action, there is an opposite and equal reaction, introduce them to the Odyssey mode and have them work with a partner to try different levels. As a class, discuss how physics principles play an important role in the game. 

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Standards:

In Osmos, kids apply principles of motion to control the movement of an orb. The app provides three modes -- Odyssey, Arcade, and Multiplayer -- but kids have to complete Odyssey mode before Arcade mode can be unlocked. The primary goal is for students to grow their orbs by absorbing other orbs, or "motes." Larger orbs must be avoided because they can absorb smaller orbs, and users must be careful not to tap their orbs too often because tapping ejects matter and shrinks the orbs.

There are 72 levels in eight uniquely designed worlds: Ambient, Solar, Antimatter, Impasse, Repulsor, Sentient, Warped Chaos, and Epicycles. Levels have clear instructions, but they could be difficult for some kids. Controls are simple: Tap behind an orb to propel it forward, swipe right to speed it up, and swipe left to slow it down. Avoid the red predators; they'll eat any orb that bumps into them. Kids complete a level when their orb is the biggest object on the screen. 

Osmos is a unique puzzle game that integrates physics with gameplay in a gorgeous setting. Kids learn how to use touch controls and principles of motion to solve challenges that increase in difficulty as the game progresses. Learning is informal, and kids will not get concrete, content-heavy lessons. Rather, they get an opportunity to explore physics concepts through direct touch interaction. The game's slow pace and surprising degree of difficulty may frustrate some, but Osmos is a unique and beautiful experience for kids who are patient enough to appreciate it.

Overall Rating
Engagement

With enough patience and practice, kids could easily get hooked. Moving the orb to complete tasks is both mesmerizing and challenging. 

Pedagogy

Kids are challenged to apply principles of motion to control movement of an orb. Challenges increase in difficulty, but more integrated physics content would boost the learning experience. 

Support

Instructions for each challenge are clear and concise, although some are simple to a fault. Players cannot reread instructions once they begin the challenge. 

Common Sense reviewer
Debbie Gorrell Educator
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Key Standards Supported

Reading Science/Technical

  • RST.6-8.3

    Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks.

  • RST.9-10.3

    Follow precisely a complex multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks, attending to special cases or exceptions defined in the text.

  • RST.11-12.3

    Follow precisely a complex multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks; analyze the specific results based on explanations in the text.

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Key Standards Supported

Energy

  • HS-PS3-2

    Develop and use models to illustrate that energy at the macroscopic scale can be accounted for as a combination of energy associated with the motions of particles (objects) and energy associated with the relative position of particles (objects).

  • MS-PS3-5

    Construct, use, and present arguments to support the claim that when the kinetic energy of an object changes, energy is transferred to or from the object.

Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions

  • HS-PS2-1

    Analyze data to support the claim that Newton’s second law of motion describes the mathematical relationship among the net force on a macroscopic object, its mass, and its acceleration.

  • MS-PS2-1

    Apply Newton’s Third Law to design a solution to a problem involving the motion of two colliding objects.

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Community Rating

(See all 2 reviews) (2 reviews) Write a review
Featured review by
Cathie G. , Classroom teacher
Classroom teacher
Dorseyville Middle School
Pittsburgh, United States
Great Way to Learn Physics and Technical Writing
Osmos is an incredible science tool that allows students to play a game as they advance through various physics puzzles. The music is relaxing, and the game holds the attention of middle school students. I would encourage students to use the game in and out of the classroom. As students become more comfortable with Osmos, I would cross connect the physics they have learned to their scientific and technical writing.
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