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Top Tech for Using Augmented and Virtual Reality

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) can help extend what we see in the classroom or bring the outside world in. Whether students are watching videos of current events or manipulating interactive models, AR and VR can add an extra layer of depth to lessons. As students play, watch, and create, they'll be walking in other people's shoes and may begin to develop empathy in the process. There's so much potential here for creative ways to build social and emotional skills. Check out our picks below to find immersive worlds, 3D models, and tools to create your own AR and VR experiences in the classroom.

Top Picks

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Quiver - 3D Coloring App

Augmented reality app adds some interactivity and learning to coloring

Bottom line: This can make a great occasional lesson supplement, but ultimately the lack of customization and light learning hold it back.

Grades: K–5 Price: $5.99 or $7.99 Quiver Education has a one-time purchase price for all the content. There's also a volume-purchasing program and educational discounts for schools.

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Plantale

Plant life cycle app has detailed AR but little help

Bottom line: This inexpensive plant life cycle app is a fun way to get up close and personal with plant processes, but needs an accompanying lesson for context.

Grades: K–8 Price: Paid $0.99

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3DBear AR

3D design and augmented reality merge in creative, interactive app

Bottom line: A great fit for classroom or makerspace settings as long as students have clear direction and compatible devices.

Grades: K–12 Price: Free, Free to try, Paid The Teacher plan ($99 per year) includes access for up to 10 student devices. The One-to-One Classroom plan ($199 per year) includes access for up to 30 student devices. The Library plan covers three teachers and 100 student devices. Pricing for PD, School, and District plans is available by quote.

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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.

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Nearpod

Interactive slideshow tool engages students, promotes collaboration

Bottom line: This effective tool leverages the capabilities of 1-to-1 environments and offers both teacher- and student-paced learning.

Grades: K–12 Price: Free, Paid The Silver edition is free for up to 30 students, the Gold edition is $120 per teacher per year for up to 50 students, and the Platinum edition is $349 per year for up to 75 students. In-app purchases are available for additional content, and schools and districts can receive volume discounts.

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Expeditions

Fire up the warp drive to bring VR field trips to your classroom

Bottom line: With stunning scenes and a flexible delivery method, your students will thank you for journeying together through space and time.

Grades: 2–12 Price: Free, Paid Educators can put together their own kits or purchase a recommended kit. Pricing ranges from $3,999 for 10 students to $9,999 for 30 students.

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Tickle

Robots, Arduinos, and drones -- the block coding app to rule them all

Bottom line: Impressive tool for introducing block coding and robotics on a ton of devices.

Grades: 2–12 Price: Free, Paid Additional characters and challenges are offered as in-app purchases.

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Apollo 11 VR

Thrilling VR experience needs creative teaching to truly soar

Bottom line: If infused with good teaching, this cinematic experience can provide a rich, unforgettable adventure.

Grades: 3–12 Price: Paid $9.69

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Civilisations AR

Nifty app gives students up-close access to historical treasures

Bottom line: This is an undeniably cool app that encourages connection and curiosity, but without teacher support, student learning will be superficial.

Grades: 3–12 Price: Free

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Froggipedia

Gorgeous frog anatomy app provides realism without depth

Bottom line: Students can closely examine a frog's anatomy and life cycle in a gorgeous, clean, and reusable way, but teachers will need to supplement the app for a complete lesson.

Grades: 3–12 Price: Paid $3.99

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Google Earth VR

Explore the world with an incredible new perspective and sense of scale

Bottom line: An amazing experience that brings the world to life, despite the heavy investment in VR required.

Grades: 3–12 Price: Free Requires a virtual reality headset.

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JigSpace

Break down concepts in a new way with AR models

Bottom line: These 3D STEM models will certainly engage students when added to lessons, but usefulness is limited by a lack of creation options.

Grades: 3–12 Price: Free

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Sky Guide

Awesome astronomy app takes students on a journey through the universe

Bottom line: A quality, affordable way to bring true astronomy study to the classroom, even during the day, with a plethora of viewing options.

Grades: 3–12 Price: Paid The base app is $2.99, and there's an optional $19.99 annual subscription to SUPERMASSIVE, which adds considerable material including more objects, high-def zoom, and cinematic tours. Educators signed up with Apple's educational program get a 50% discount on the app.

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Tour Creator

Simple Google tool puts kids at the helm of creating VR experiences

Bottom line: Allows teachers and students to create compelling tours for viewing in VR or on a web browser.

Grades: 3–12 Price: Free

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WWF Free Rivers

Gorgeous ecology AR model is simple but compelling

Bottom line: The free price tag makes this app a no-brainer for including in any lesson on water resources, though teachers will still need to provide context.

Grades: 3–12 Price: Free

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