19 TOOLS

Best Molecular and Cell Biology Apps and Websites

Give students a whole new perspective on the building blocks of our world with these picks that show the inner life of life itself. It's always hard for students to grasp these kinds of abstract concepts in science, so it's important to focus on developing scientific language proficiency and building models in the classroom. The apps, games, and websites on this list get students tinkering with simulations and playing games, and they provide teachers with a wealth of lessons and videos to tackle cell theory, genetics, biochemistry, and more. 

NOVA

Compelling science videos have high-quality classroom applications

Bottom Line: Unparalleled science documentaries offer a window into real-world scientific topics in a high-interest way.

Grades: 6–12
Price:
Free

CK-12

STEM and social studies resource with highly customizable content

Bottom Line: Making content accessible to kids with different learning styles, CK-12 could be the key to students understanding STEM topics.

Grades: K–12
Price:
Free

DIY Nano

Turn kids into budding nanoscientists who explore the tiniest things

Bottom Line: Scientist-reviewed videos and activities relate nanoscience to everyday life.

Grades: 2–5
Price:
Free

uHandy

Microscope attachment for mobile devices inspires field investigation

Bottom Line: The use of stickers instead of slides helps students examine their world at the microscopic level with safety and convenience.

Grades: 4–12
Price:
Free, Paid

NOVA Elements

Info-packed science resource great for teaching the elements

Bottom Line: NOVA Elements is an awesome tool that can be used to build knowledge and understanding while keeping students engaged in the learning process.

Grades: 5–12
Price:
Free

Tyto Online

Ambitious science role-playing game has bright future

Bottom Line: Diverse characters, immersive experiences, and useful teacher tools make this life science RPG worth checking out.

Grades: 6–8
Price:
Free to try

Cell and Cell Structure

Visually stunning tool great for supplementing lessons about cells

Bottom Line: Cell and Cell Structure is an interactive and engaging reference tool that takes kids on a journey to learn about cells.

Grades: 6–12
Price:
Paid

CellEnergy Photosynthesis Labs

Interactive carbon cycle labs deepen student understanding

Bottom Line: Virtual labs help biology students investigate and model the movement of carbon and energy.

Grades: 6–12
Price:
Free to try, Paid

Learn.Genetics

Dreamland of multimedia resources for budding biologists

Bottom Line: Biology teachers and students will find a lot of useful multimedia here to help them teach and understand complex genetics topics.

Grades: 6–12
Price:
Free

Molecular Workbench

Regularly updated resource features great simulations and modules

Bottom Line: For teachers with the time to prepare, these are great resources for just about any science classroom.

Grades: 6–12
Price:
Free

NOVA Labs

Online science, mastered: exceptional content within meaningful tasks

Bottom Line: Serious, sophisticated science engagement -- but be prepared to take some prep time to connect these labs with your classroom.

Grades: 6–12
Price:
Free

Prepmagic

Customize science simulations to highlight phenomena

Bottom Line: Science simulations become more effective with teacher-added edits and formative assessments.

Grades: 6–12
Price:
Free

Ptable

Definitive periodic table with all the bells and whistles

Bottom Line: You won't need any other once you have probed the depths of this truly complete reference resource.

Grades: 7–12
Price:
Free

BioInteractive

High-quality multimedia brings biological research to life

Bottom Line: Superb multimedia tools and lesson plans help kids explore biology through real-world examples.

Grades: 9–12
Price:
Free

Cogent Education

Think like a scientist: Solve biology case studies

Bottom Line: Practice problem-solving skills and learn biology through interactive case studies.

Grades: 9–12
Price:
Free to try, Paid

EteRNA

RNA design game can lead to scientific discoveries

Bottom Line: Students will enjoy the mix of puzzle solving and creating and will learn some science along the way, but awkward pacing could lose students who don't grab content immediately.

Grades: 9–12
Price:
Free

Scitable

Useful teacher tools, with articles suited for advanced bio students

Bottom Line: Good resource for teachers looking to make a virtual classroom; the articles on current issues in science are great for more advanced students.

Grades: 9–12
Price:
Free

Meta!Blast

Biology game's wealth of information helps and hinders

Bottom Line: It's got a ton of learning potential not yet packaged, paced, and delivered in a way that will get all students on board.

Grades: 10–12
Price:
Free

Foldit

Challenging protein-folding puzzler helps science research

Bottom Line: While this still remains best for advanced students looking for a challenge, the education mode helps everyone give it a shot.

Grades: 11–12
Price:
Free

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