TOP PICKS | 31 TOOLS
Best Biology Apps and Websites for Students
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MarcoPolo Ocean
Young explorers discover oceans through puzzles and free play
Bottom line: This fun app helps kids gain an appreciation for the waters that cover much of the Earth's surface.
Grades: Pre-K–K
Price: $2.99
howtosmile
Useful science resource aggregator promotes diverse lessons
Bottom line: Despite a few broken links, the site's easy and well-organized access to thousands of quality science activities is a valuable teacher resource.
Grades: Pre-K–12
Price: Free
Mammals by Tinybop
Anatomy exploration app most effective with teacher guidance
Bottom line: Students will learn the most from this fun free-explore app when teachers follow the included guide and supplement with their own lessons.
Grades: K–5
Price: Paid $2.99
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.
World Book's World of Animals
Impressive multimedia encyclopedia of animals
Bottom line: Rich animal resource has lots of science, research, and writing applications.
Grades: K–5
Price: $4.99
CK-12
Super STEM resource with highly accessible content
Bottom line: Making STEM content accessible to kids with different learning styles, CK-12 could be the key to mastery for some students.
Grades: K–12
Price: Free
Lifeliqe
Impressive, interactive 3D models augment classroom learning
Bottom line: While some models are lower resolution and less appealing, Lifeliqe is still a no-brainer for supplying mostly clear, professional 3D models for deep investigation.
Grades: K–12
Price: Free to try, Paid Monthly subscription ($14.99) includes a one-month free trial. Annual subscription ($119.99) includes a two-month free trial. Lesson plans can be accessed with a guest account, but interactive 3D models require a subscription.
PhET Interactive Simulations
Massive cache of excellent (and free!) science and math simulations
Bottom line: Instantly add meaningful lab experiences to math and science classrooms for exactly $0? It's tough to beat that.
Grades: K–12
Price: Free
Wisconsin Fast Plants
Easiest way to use plants in K-12 science classrooms
Bottom line: Detailed resource and support website for those teaching science through plants.
Grades: K–12
Price: Free
NAMOO - Wonders of Plant Life
Gorgeous hands-on 3D plant app will spark understanding
Bottom line: This educational plant app illustrates lessons and engages students much better than any textbook or video.
Grades: 3–8
Price: $3.99 on iOS, $1.99 on Android
Edheads
Realistic, appealing simulations deliver superb science content
Bottom line: Definitely one for your “love it” list, the site helps kids simulate science and engineering career activities while covering related content.
Grades: 3–12
Price: Free
ExploreLearning Gizmos
Vast array of science and math simulations impresses
Bottom line: This powerful and extensive set of math and science tools puts the learning in students' hands.
Grades: 3–12
Price: Free to try, Paid Free accounts allow access to a rotating collection of free Gizmos, as well as a preview of all Gizmos for up to five minutes a day. School and district licenses available; pricing available upon request.
Crazy Plant Shop
Shop sim makes Punnett squares playful
Bottom line: Key science skills and competencies serve not as add-ons to the game but core mechanics, allowing genetics learning to occur naturally through play.
Grades: 4–10
Price: 5.99 per account
Cell Strike
Fight infections on compelling biology-based missions
Bottom line: A fun and efficient way for students to learn how components of the immune system work, with a bonus lesson in strategy.
Grades: 4–12
Price: Free to try, Paid Free to download; $7.99 unlocks the full game. Access all TouchPress games for $4.99 per month.
Mosa Mack Science
Engaging design challenges turn kids into actual science detectives
Bottom line: An engaging way to weave some engineering into your middle school science lessons.
Grades: 4–8
Price: Free, Paid Animated mysteries are free; Mosa Mack Pro starts at $500 and after 50 students shifts to $10 per student. Prices drop as student numbers increase.
Inq-ITS
Virtual labs epitomize the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices
Bottom line: Earth, life, and physical science simulations coach kids through the NGSS Practices.
Grades: 5–10
Price: Free to try, Paid Pricing available upon request; school and district licenses are available.
Encyclopedia of Life
Superb crowdsourced knowledge bank teems with life for kid biologists
Bottom line: It's jam-packed with vetted information on all living things; kids can become part of a vibrant community of science-minded folks.
Grades: 5–12
Price: Free
ARKive
Captivating catalog of biodiversity with great classroom resources
Bottom line: Powerful images and videos capture kids' attention and make them want to learn more.
Grades: 6–10
Price: Free
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: $2.99 Discounts and give-aways are frequently offered on the developer's blog.
Cell Command
Immersive biology game keeps students interested during learning
Bottom line: Students take away a broad knowledge of cell anatomy and function.
Grades: 6–12
Price: $9.99, $89.70/classroom
The Concord Consortium
Vast collection of science resources emphasizes written reflection
Bottom line: A selection of online science simulations paired with a teacher dashboard to track progress.
Grades: 6–12
Price: Free
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
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
Re-Mission 2
Six arcade-style games tackle tough subject of cancer
Bottom line: Hours of engaging gameplay will grab even non-gamers and, with some guided reflection, can spur serious learning about the human body.
Grades: 6–12
Price: Free
Niche - a genetics survival game
Immersive genetics sim puts evolution in students' hands
Bottom line: This hands-on genetics game allows students to experiment, explore traits, and come away with a sophisticated understanding of the subject.
Grades: 7–12
Price: Paid $17.99
Albert
Flexible, interactive test-prep practice for high school and beyond
Bottom line: A variety of question types and on-the-spot analytics help teachers individualize test-prep practice.
Grades: 9–12
Price: Free to try, Paid $11-$59 per subject for individuals; $325-$500 for classrooms with 40-100 students; $1,250-$1,750 plus $5 per seat for schools.
All About Bird Biology
Stellar videos and games fill a narrow but rich niche in the classroom
Bottom line: Engaging images and info, but more explicit education connections would make this classroom-ready.
Grades: 9–12
Price: Free
AP Exam Prep Biology
Comprehensive array of study tools, solid content make studying a snap
Bottom line: Packed with plenty of study materials, if used wisely, this bio study tool will be worth the price.
Grades: 9–12
Price: $11.99
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 There's a free trial, and then class subscriptions range from $79.99 per year (3 cases) to $289.99 per year (15 cases). School-wide pricing is available.
Labster
Impressive, advanced virtual biotech labs contain glitches
Bottom line: Take it out for a spin to get a sense of its limitations and those glitches, and then embrace this amazing virtual tool as an introduction, a review, or (sometimes) even a wet-lab replacement.
Grades: 10–12
Price: Free to try, Paid $49/student/semester, though discounts are available. Labster also offers customized options.
