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Top Apps, Games, and Websites for Scientific Inquiry
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Explore Models and Simulations
Lawrence Hall of Science: 24/7 Science
Outdated site still useful for science games and investigations
Bottom line: Many of these interesting and highly educational activities, though a bit disorganized, still challenge and engage kids in important ways.
PhET Interactive Simulations
Massive collection 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.
ExploreLearning Gizmos
Vast array of impressive, interactive science and math simulations
Bottom line: This powerful and extensive set of math and science tools puts the learning in students' hands.
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.
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.
UL Xplorlabs
Safety engineering site blends in-class experiments with online sims
Bottom line: Middle school students get to design and test solutions to actual safety problems.
Happy Atoms
Build molecules with physical models, explore with your device
Bottom line: Empower students to learn about molecules -- built with physical models -- using the camera on a hand-held device.
WhiteBox Learning
Design, analyze, and then build STEM applications
Bottom line: Complete learning modules include simple CAD design simulation tools, a digital competition, and options for hands-on building.
Collisions: Play Chemistry
Game-based challenges build crucial chemistry concepts
Bottom line: Learn about atoms, ions, and bonding through challenge-based gameplay.
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.
Gather and Analyze Data
Hero Elementary: Operation Investigation
Learn science basics solo or in groups by figuring out mystery animals
Bottom line: This game makes practicing reasoning skills and scientific observation fun -- and collaborative
Photo Stuff with Ruff
Materials science photo app gets kids examining their surroundings
Bottom line: Perfect for physical science lessons in classrooms with handheld devices, but the app needs an update to prevent crashing.
Playground Physics
Fun video app lets students track motion to explore physics concepts
Bottom line: This is a cheap way to get students out of their chairs to make physics real and tangible, empowering learners and encouraging curiosity.
LabCamera
Easy observation and measuring tool fun to use, has endless possibilities
Bottom line: Using this science capturing and measuring tool is an easy, flexible way to expand your toolset and your science lesson options.
Coach's Eye - Video Analysis
Robust video analysis for sports, science, fine arts performances
Bottom line: Cool video-analysis tool is great for the sports field and beyond, but prepare for an onslaught of hidden costs to access all features.
Zooniverse
Real research powered by volunteers makes classroom content relevant
Bottom line: Engage in meaningful, relevant research with citizen scientists from around the world.
Mission to the Mesozoic
Time-traveling game gets kids documenting, analyzing prehistoric life
Bottom line: This game could fit right in with a unit or lesson on prehistoric plants and animals, but the concepts covered also match well with more general science learning.
Zydeco Inquiry
Record and organize scientific observations on the go
Bottom line: Record, organize, and explain observations from everyday experiences with your mobile device.
Tuva Labs
Dynamic data-exploration tool offers large collection of data sets
Bottom line: Partner with another teacher (preferably a data whiz) and work together to develop cross-curricular activities.
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.
EarthViewer
Earth's deep geologic history and real science data at your fingertips
Bottom line: An unbeatable Earth Science app for its data, scope, and potential for learning.
Lab4Physics
Bring physics to life using lab sensors built right into your smartphone
Bottom line: Use your smartphone to gather data and study speed, gravity, waves, and other physics concepts.
Arduino Science Journal
Turn your phone into a lab sensor to collect and analyze data
Bottom line: Science Journal does a good job recording real-time motion, sound, and light data using phones.
Scoutlier
Collect and share class data, pictures, and videos
Bottom line: Works within Google Classroom to help kids record and share observations of the world around them.
The PocketLab
Gather and analyze live data anywhere
Bottom line: A science sensor that pairs with your device to gather and analyze data is perfect for inquiry-based learning.
Solve the Outbreak
Become a disease detective -- read clues, analyze data, save lives
Bottom line: Solve the Outbreak is a free, engaging resource that teaches kids about disease control and prevention.
Make and Design Projects
California Academy of Sciences
Expert research and diverse, rich lessons inspire future scientists
Bottom line: A perfect companion to (or substitute for) the Academy, this site delivers highly interactive resources and research with a lot of depth.
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
STEM lessons creatively build off of NASA data and real space missions
Bottom line: These hands-on lessons approximate the work of NASA scientists, engineers, and astronauts and make use of actual NASA satellite data.
OK Go Sandbox
Creative music video-inspired STEAM design challenges
Bottom line: After watching OK Go music videos, kids will be excited to make new creations by integrating art, science, and math.
DIY Nano
Turn kids into budding nanoscientists who explore the tiniest things
Bottom line: Scientist-reviewed videos and activities relate nanoscience to everyday life.
Gizmos & Gadgets
Top-notch tool empowers kids to invent, build, and control wirelessly
Bottom line: Easy-to-use, versatile electronic invention set that works wirelessly with your hand-held device.
Design Squad Global
Fun engineering problems encourage classroom competition, innovation
Bottom line: Design Squad Global makes learning STEAM concepts fun through hands-on activities and easy-to-understand scientific explanations.
DIY.org – Creative Challenges
From cardboarding to cooking, this app helps kids find the fun in DIY
Bottom line: Fabulous way for kids to get skills and share their projects digitally.
Science Buddies
A magic wand for those seeking science project support and success
Bottom line: Take the jitters out of science or engineering projects and fairs; this remarkable site coaches and supports students, parents, and teachers.