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TOP PICKS | 24 TOOLS
Best Molecular and Cell Biology Apps and Websites
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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
CK-12
Super STEM, social studies resource with highly accessible content
Bottom line: Making content accessible to kids with different learning styles, CK-12 could be the key to mastery for some students.
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
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.
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 The app is free; the cost of the microscope attachment and accessories range from the $34.95 uHandy Lite to the $129.95 uHandy Duet.
Virulent
Be a virus, invade the human, and learn
Bottom line: While short, this game lets kids play and experience "thinking" like a virus.
Grades: 4–12
Price: Free
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, Paid $10 per student per year; Innovator's Program discount is $5 per student per year for teachers who'd like to provide feedback to developers. Custom pricing is available for districts.
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
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 The first two themes are free. Teachers must purchase the Andamio Dashboard for $29.99 to unlock the rest of the content for their class.
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
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
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
You Make Me Sick!
Dramatic way to teach kids about the spread of germs
Bottom line: This engaging and informative game teaches about the spread of germs by letting players take the side of germs.
Grades: 7–12
Price: $5.99 per account You can sign up for auto renewal or up to 5 years and save.
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.
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: The complexity will work wonderfully for more advanced students looking for challenge and the opportunity to help scientists, but it's a tough sell for whole-class learning.
Grades: 11–12