Send to KindleBy Chloe Trogden, Guest Blogger
It can be difficult to get some kids interested in science. The subject matter may seem too complex or may be too intimidating in some cases. It is important to find ways to make the information more approachable so that kids can get excited about science and build a good foundation for learning that will support them throughout their educational careers (and beyond).
Mobile phones and tablets are great tools that can be used to support this mission. There are many apps that can teach kids about science and make it more interesting for them. Here are 5 apps that you might consider to help get your children excited about science:
The Elements:Â A Visual Exploration (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-elements-a-visual-exploration/id364147847?mt=8)
Bring the elements to life with this app for the iPad that provides a living periodic table. Get a 3D image of each element and the type of objects in which it may be found. There are also stories about the elements, detailed photos, the names of the elements in different languages, and much more. You can even use 3D glasses to really see the objects in “real life.” $13.99.
Pocket Universe (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pocket-universe-virtual-sky/id306916838?mt=8)
Use this handy app to identify the constellations and other heavenly bodies in the sky currently above you. Hold up your phone to the sky, and the app will use the compass to identify what is in front of you, complete with labels of constellations, planets, and more. You don’t even have to take a photo. There are over 80,000 stars in the app, as well as information about the phases of the moon and the planets, quizzes, and more. $1.99.
3D Sun (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/3d-sun/id347089078?mt=8)
Get as close to the sun as you will ever be able to with this free app. Get a virtual picture of what is happening on the sun on the current day, watch solar flares, track sunspots and more. You can also get notifications of solar events, such as explosions on the sun, the northern lights, and more.
Robots for iPad (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/robots-for-ipad/id566581906?mt=8)
Kids can use this app to check out more than 100 real robots from around the world and to get a better idea of how they work. The app can be used to get 3D views of the robots and to interact with them. There is also information about how to get started in the field of robotics, interviews with roboticists, news about robotics, and more. $1.99.
Biobots Under Sea Rescue (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id493081393?mt=8)
This app turns learning about sea creatures into a game. Kids can learn about some deep sea animals and then build a robot inspired by them to stage a rescue mission. Kids will learn about multiple branches of science all while having fun. Free.
There are many more great apps available for teaching kids about science and helping them to get excited about learning. What are your favorite go-to apps for teaching kids about science? Share your picks in the comments!
Chloe Trogden is a writer and manager for collegegrant.net, where she has recently been researching student guides. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, swimming and playing her guitar.
What you learn today- Will and Can-be useful in the future. Like learning to type when you know that you hate being a secretary or typist. Then suddenly behold there were computers and guess what no one knew how to type. There I go again. Please do learn anything. It will even be useful when you are old and grey. Just think chemistry works when learning about foods.So it goes.