TOP PICKS | 31 TOOLS
Excellent Ecology and Environmental Science Apps, Games, and Websites
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Become Citizen Scientists
Plum's Photo Hunt
Photo-finding missions get kids out to explore and enjoy their world
Bottom line: Inspiring photo-hunting missions are wonderful outlets for creative expression and easily prompt deeper exploration.
Journey North
Long-standing citizen science site continues to inspire learners
Bottom line: Extensive resources can help kids collect, share, and analyze evidence about seasonal change.
Zooniverse
Real research powered by volunteers makes classroom content relevant
Bottom line: Engage in meaningful, relevant research with citizen scientists from around the world.
SDGs in Action
Empowering sustainable development app organizes, educates
Bottom line: It's a well-packaged way for teachers to educate students about the current challenges facing the world and to give them a conduit for social justice.
Project Noah
Contribute kid research to stellar crowdsourced field guide
Bottom line: An outstanding resource that makes science relevant with lots of classroom potential.
Project Noah
Engaging online community for relevant, hands-on science fieldwork
Bottom line: Project Noah is a free and easy way to take part in biodiversity research with the support of a knowledgeable and global community.
iNaturalist
Global citizen-science community for real-world research
Bottom line: Teens can do hands-on nature research, but in a limited way.
Explore Earth's Ecosystems
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.
Coral Reef by Tinybop
Quality coral reef ecosystem app a no-brainer for young explorers
Bottom line: With this fun, well-packaged app, young students will learn how interconnected life in the coral reef is.
PBS Kids: Plum Landing
Web games, outside adventures offer in-depth tour of Earth’s ecosystems
Bottom line: Student-directed investigations and outdoor extension activities elevate Plum Landing beyond just a companion site for the TV show.
DIY Lake Science
At home or on location, explore and model watersheds and ecosystems
Bottom line: The combination of easy-to-use task directions and accessible materials make this great for class centers or family extensions.
Expeditions
Fire up the warp drive to bring VR field trips to your classroom
Bottom line: With stunning scenes and a flexible delivery method, your students will thank you for journeying together through space and time.
iBiome -- Ocean
Fun interactive app dives deep into aquatic food webs
Bottom line: With some extra scaffolding, this interactive resource can be a unique way to reinforce concepts related to ocean ecosystems.
WWF Free Rivers
Gorgeous ecology AR model is simple but compelling
Bottom line: The free price tag makes this app a no-brainer for including in any lesson on water resources, though teachers will still need to provide context.
iBiome-Wetland
Smartly designed environmental sim great for learning about ecosystems
Bottom line: iBiome-Wetland is a fun, interactive way to learn about ecosystems without the hassle of getting wet.
BiomeViewer
World habitat app full of intriguing visual comparisons, useful data
Bottom line: This biome reference app helps students get local when understanding their planet Earth.
Habitactics
Keep your ecosystem from crashing in this addictive puzzle game
Bottom line: Habitactics employs game-based learning to help students discover relationships in ecosystems.
Tyto Ecology
Well-developed biome sim provides cheap, endless learning
Bottom line: This affordable ecosystem balancing game teaches life science skills while keeping students engaged.
Investigate Global Issues
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.
Climate Kids
Kid-friendly, expert site explores key climate issues
Bottom line: A great launching point for engaging in accurate and timely climate change information.
Esri GeoInquiries
Captivating, focused map activities support larger curricular lessons
Bottom line: These inquiry-based activities are a valuable visual and investigative resource for teachers and students in many different subjects.
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.
NASA Global Climate Change - Vital Signs of the Planet
Tons of climate change info from expert sources in one easy place
Bottom line: This is a one-stop shop for climate change info, from basic intro content to practical guides and raw data; good for middle schoolers and up.
Open Explorer
Compelling digital field journal site engages kids on multiple levels
Bottom line: An eye-opening, fascinating way to explore the world from a personal perspective; students will learn about geography, culture, and science along the way.
Our Climate Our Future
Relatable climate change resources empower youth to take action
Bottom line: This free, high-quality resource is a one-stop, self-contained series of lessons on the effects of climate change, what causes it, and how to fight it going forward.
Fate of the World: Tipping Point
Complex global-influence game in which players’ choices rule the world
Bottom line: Complex multi-issue game succeeds in teaching world politics and global development while building perspective and decision-making skills.
Promote Environmental Awareness
Earth Rangers
Kid conservationist's paradise with great images, vids, animals galore
Bottom line: Great ecology lesson plans and videos are rich with engrossing animal goodies, but the accompanying games don't teach much science.
I Love Potatoes
Adorable social innovation app spurs discussion, collective action
Bottom line: This free app, when used with the extension materials, will help students understand their role in the environment and the economy, and empower them to make change for the better.
EcoKids.ca
Eco-minded site with fun games and a wealth of teacher resources
Bottom line: Kids will learn about the environment in a fun and interactive way, while teachers will find useful lessons, templates, and printables.
SimCityEDU: Pollution Challenge!
Truncated environmental city-planning sim geared toward classrooms
Bottom line: This version of the SimCity game still has something to offer, but it's probably not worth the subscription cost on its own.
Enercities
Environmentally-minded city sim models sustainable building
Bottom line: It carves out a useful niche in a popular genre, showing how city planning, technological development, economics, and quality of life intersect with sustainability.
