TOP PICKS | 22 TOOLS
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.
Grades: K–3
Price: Free
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.
Grades: K–5
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.
Grades: K–12
Price: Free to try, Paid Monthly subscription ($14.99) includes a one-month free trial. Annual subscription ($119.99) includes a two-month free trial. Lesson plans can be accessed with a guest account, but interactive 3D models require a subscription.
Minecraft: Education Edition
Stellar collaboration tools, controls make Minecraft classroom-ready
Bottom line: An excellent tool to engage students in learning, collaboration, and critical thinking is now more accessible than ever to teachers.
Grades: K–12
Price: Paid $5 per user per year; schools may qualify for volume licensing.
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.
Grades: 2–5
Price: Free
ExploreLearning Gizmos
Vast array of science and math simulations impresses
Bottom line: This powerful and extensive 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 five 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.
Grades: 5–10
Price: Free, Paid Optional "Rapid Fire Power Shot" in-app purchase.
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.
Grades: 5–12
Price: Free
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.
Grades: 6–12
Price: Free, Paid App is free but requires purchase of a modeling kit. Modeling kits range from $51 to $710; an educator's bundle is available with a 250-atom set for $710.
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.
Grades: 9–12
Price: Paid $0.99
Collisions: Play Chemistry
Game-based challenges build crucial chemistry concepts
Bottom line: Learn about atoms, ions, and bonding through challenge-based gameplay.
Grades: 9–12
Price: Free to try, Paid The Atoms module is free to play, and there is a 30-day free classroom trial for all modules. All-access accounts cost $135 per year for one class, $395 per year for multiple classes, and $1,150 per year for schools.
HoloLAB Champions
Immerse students in a fantastic VR chemistry lab
Bottom line: Students can safely experiment, play, fail, succeed, and learn in this engrossing virtual chemistry lab.
Grades: 9–12
Price: Free, Paid $9.99; free for educators by filling out a form on the site.
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.
Grades: 10–12
Price: $2.99
