Great Games for Physics

Early education force and motion app ramps up student learning

Bottom Line: Coconut Star, along with its companion app, are great additions to any pre-K–1 physical science unit.

Shine a light on concepts around shadows with fun app

Bottom Line: A good supplement for any early learning light and shadow unit.

Fun physics platformer teaches, engages young elementary students

Bottom Line: Highly engaging game packs in physics learning and puzzling fun.

Highly applicable STEM-themed free play; easy appeal for wide audience

Bottom Line: A clear, simple, and fun introduction to science and engineering topics that may otherwise feel unapproachable for some kids.

Excellent elementary NGSS engineering practices embedded in fun games

Bottom Line: Fun gameplay lets kids explore important physics concepts in a solid standards-aligned context.

Solve, create, and share puzzles that gush with STEM learning

Bottom Line: This challenging yet kid-friendly set of logic puzzles wonderfully allows kids to solve problems and experiment with light science concepts.

Budding engineers create design solutions with fun physics puzzler

Bottom Line: A fun, engaging way to boost critical-thinking and problem-solving skills while learning about important science and engineering practices.

Influential physics game is still a draw

Bottom Line: Instantly engaging and super accessible to learners of many ages and abilities, Crayon Physics Deluxe fuses conceptual science learning with a brand of playful problem solving that demands creativity.

Solve problems, puzzles, brain teasers while creating wacky machines

Bottom Line: Hands-on problem-solving leads to great fun and independent learning with the right curricular wraparound to connect what kids are doing with what they need to know.

Solid physics concepts set up by superbly stylized game

Bottom Line: A fantastic, fun-filled jumping-off point for a lesson on simple machines that students are sure to enjoy.

Apply principles of force and motion to build fun, wacky machines

Bottom Line: Lighthearted puzzles boost critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

Make musical contraptions with playful sound and physics sandbox

Bottom Line: This engaging and open-ended sandbox app has limited functionality but will engross students for extended periods.

Stellar physics builder with wiggly, animated goo balls

Bottom Line: A fascinating fantasy world and constant puzzle challenge pull kids into learning about building structures and geometry.

Sandbox tool enables engaged, conceptual physics inquiry

Bottom Line: A robust, free pedagogical tool that's like a digital workbench where kids build and apply conceptual science knowledge.

Thrilling projectile puzzle game features solid physics principles

Bottom Line: This fun, gentle introduction to projectile motion will stick with students.

Awesome puzzler lets kids build, test, modify, and retest

Bottom Line: Monster Physics uses colorful graphics and fun missions to teach kids about physics through exploration and experimentation.

Science-based shipbuilding mission sim is valuable but shows its age

Bottom Line: A serviceable simulation for teacher-led physics or engineering lessons, or for students to get a feel for how different types of ships are designed and handle on the open seas.

Engaging physics game has learning potential but requires context

Bottom Line: An engaging exploration of fluid dynamics that would benefit from more context, embedded instruction, and vocabulary that's more accessible.

Superb sandbox for astrophysics experimentation

Bottom Line: An impressive -- and complex -- tool that encourages a playful, systems thinking-oriented exploration of the universe and astrophysics.

Mind-bending level editor for beloved physics game

Bottom Line: For STEAM educators with the right tech and know-how, it'd be puzzling not to use this tool.

Complex physics sandbox is daunting but rich

Bottom Line: This physics sandbox ramps up the complexity but not the usability, leaving it up to the right teachers and students to unlock its benefits.

Design and launch a rocket into space in realistic astrophysics sim

Bottom Line: This accurate rocket sim encourages trial-and-error learning and makes for great (and often explosive) physics and engineering experiments.