TOP PICKS | 19 TOOLS
Great Games for Physics
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Thinkrolls
Fun physics platformer teaches, engages young elementary students
Bottom line: Highly engaging game packs in physics learning and puzzling fun.
Grades: Pre-K–2
Price: $2.99
Crazy Gears
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.
Grades: K–3
Price: $2.99
Simple Machines by Tinybop
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.
Grades: K–5
Price: $2.99
Busy Water
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.
Grades: 1–5
Price: $3.99
Inventioneers Full Version
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.
Grades: 2–8
Price: $2.99 Price varies for Android version.
Crayon Physics Deluxe
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.
Grades: 2–12
Price: $19.95
Contraption Maker
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.
Grades: 3–8
Price: Free, Paid The game costs $9.99. Teachers can receive free copies; see here for more information: http://contraptionmaker.com/education/.
Simple Machines
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.
Grades: 3–8
Price: Free
Rube Works: The Official Rube Goldberg Invention Game
Apply principles of force and motion to build fun, wacky machines
Bottom line: Lighthearted puzzles boost critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
Grades: 3–12
Price: $2.99-$4.99 $2.99 for iOS; $4.99 on Steam and in the Mac App Store
Sound Rebound
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.
Grades: 4–8
Price: Free
World of Goo
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.
Grades: 4–8
Price: $4.99
Motion Force
Thrilling projectile puzzle game features solid physics principles
Bottom line: This fun, gentle introduction to projectile motion will stick with students.
Grades: 5–10
Price: $5.99 Each student will need an individual account in order to preserve save states and track student progress.
Monster Physics
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.
Grades: 6–8
Price: Free, Free to try, Paid
The Fluid Ether
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.
Grades: 6–12
Price: Free
Universe Sandbox
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.
Grades: 6–12
Price: Free
Portal 2 Puzzle Maker
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.
Grades: 7–12
Price: $19.99 Puzzle Maker is included with purchase of Portal 2.
Garry's Mod
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.
Grades: 8–12
Price: $9.99
Kerbal Space Program
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.
Grades: 9–12
Price: Free to try, Paid $39.99, free demo
