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Top Tech for Chemistry Classrooms
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American Chemical Society
Chemistry resources for teachers and kids, straight from the experts
Bottom line: Use the site to stay current on chemistry topics and tidbits, and to research some of your queries; just keep tabs on your time.
Grades: Pre-K–12
Price: Free
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.
Toca Lab: Elements
No safety equipment required as kids spin, heat, and freeze elements
Bottom line: The game is a fun introduction to chemistry and the elements, but kids won't learn detailed scientific information.
PhET Interactive Simulations
Massive cache 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.
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.
ExploreLearning Gizmos
Vast array of science and math simulations impresses
Bottom line: This powerful set of math and science tools puts the learning in students' hands.
Grades: 3–12
Price: Free to Try, Paid Free accounts allow access to a rotating collection of free Gizmos, as well as a preview of all Gizmos for up to 5 minutes a day. School and district licenses available; pricing available upon request.
TED-Ed
Support kids' sense of wonder with outstanding short videos
Bottom line: Excellent, engaging videos and support for flipped-class lessons with an incredible community of thinkers and doers.
Grades: 4–12
Price: Free
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.
Grades: 5–10
Price: Free to Try, Paid Pricing available upon request; school and district licenses are available.
My Molecularium
Molecule-building app handy for visual learning but lacks depth
Bottom line: Students who persevere will have a little fun and get an opportunity to study the arrangement of atoms in many types of molecules, though the lack of depth means it's just a piece of the puzzle.
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.
The Concord Consortium
Vast collection of science resources emphasizes written reflection
Bottom line: A selection of online science simulations paired with a teacher dashboard to track progress.
Grades: 6–12
Price: Free
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.
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
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
City of Materials
Gripping crime scenes teach materials science, but are heavy on text
Bottom line: City of Materials is an engaging way for middle and high school kids to learn a new branch of science.
Grades: 7–12
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
Chairs! Organic Chemistry Game
Learn chemistry chair conformations through a tactile puzzle game
Bottom line: This fun puzzle game helps students draw chair conformations; teachers will need to add context.
Collisions: Play Chemistry
Game-based challenges build crucial chemistry concepts
Bottom line: Learn about atoms, ions, and bonding through challenge-based gameplay.
Arloon Chemistry
Build, name, explore 3-D chemical models with augmented-reality tool
Bottom line: A cool way to help kids learn the names and structures of compounds using interactive 3-D technology.
Lifeliqe
Impressive, interactive 3D models augment classroom learning
Bottom line: While some models are lower resolution and less appealing, Lifeliqe is still a no-brainer for supplying mostly clear, professional 3D models for deep investigation.
