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10 Best Science Tools for Elementary

Inspiring an interest in science at a young age encourages kids to question the world around them and make decisions based on logic and reasoning. As their skills develop and they get nearer to middle school, students will begin to craft more complex ideas and consider solutions that address common scientific phenomena. The apps and websites compiled here help elementary teachers build quality inquiry experiences for their students, laying the foundation for lifelong curiosity about how the world works and why.

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National Geographic Kids

Stunning photos and in-depth stories of Earth's peoples and wildlife

Bottom line: This large collection of multimedia resources teaches younger students about animals, habitats, countries, and cultures.

Grades: Pre-K–8 Price: Free, Paid Online content is free; magazine subscriptions for National Geographic Kids are $15 per year for print and iPad versions (digital-only subscriptions are $12 per year), with National Geographic Little Kids available for $15 per year for 6 print issues.

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NOVA

Compelling science videos have high-quality classroom applications

Bottom line: Stellar simulations, teacher guides, and other activities can stand on their own, and they're enhanced with high-quality video content.

Grades: Pre-K–12 Price: Free

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Lawrence Hall of Science: 24/7 Science

Outdated site still useful for science games and investigations

Bottom line: Many of these interesting and highly educational activities, though a bit disorganized, still challenge and engage kids in important ways.

Grades: K–5 Price: Free

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Mystery Science

Big questions, kids' curiosity drive impressive science curriculum

Bottom line: These powerful science units capitalize on elementary school students' natural curiosity.

Grades: K–5 Price: Paid First-time users may be eligible for a free membership. Classroom memberships are $99 per year; school and district memberships are $499 for the first year and then $999 for subsequent years (if purchased before a certain date). Otherwise, regular school and district memberships are $1,499 per year.

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Makers Empire

Stellar 3D design hub promotes innovation, collaboration, and creation

Bottom line: This is a great design and creation tool that teachers and students can use to be innovative and share ideas with a vibrant community of makers.

Grades: K–8 Price: Free, Free to try There's a limited version of the Makers Empire 3D app available for free for students. A School subscription that includes the full app, lesson plans, and unlimited accounts and classes is $1,999 per year (after a free trial). There's also a package available for $2,999 that includes 3D printers, filament, and 20 hours of PD.

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Tinybop Schools

Collection of STEM simulations that students will love to explore

Bottom line: Tinybop Schools offers meaningful scientific exploration to students, particularly when partnered with good teaching and discussion.

Grades: K–8 Price: Free to try, Paid 30-day free trial; Classroom plans are $150 per year for up to four teachers and 30 students. School plans are $900 per year up to 100 teachers and 500 students. Custom pricing for multiple schools is available.

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Workbench

Find, create, and assign lessons in dynamic project-based learning hub

Bottom line: A dynamic resource for finding, creating, and rating lessons that support STEAM, PBL, and flipped or virtual classrooms.

Grades: Pre-K–12 Price: Free The site and all of its lessons, resources, and coding platform are free. However, some of the lessons require materials that must be purchased in order to do the activities.

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