Science is vital to human life.  In fact, it is intensely woven into our daily decisions and routines.  To put it frankly, “Science affects us all, every day of the year, from the moment we wake up, all day long, and through the night. Your digital alarm clock, the weather report, the asphalt you drive on, the bus you ride in, your decision to eat a baked potato instead of fries, your cell phone, the antibiotics that treat your sore throat, the clean water that comes from your faucet, and the light that you turn off at the end of the day have all been brought to you courtesy of science”. (Berkley)

Why is science literacy so important? Teaching science to students offers them an active, hands-on experience full of collecting information and problem solving. It teaches how to ask questions and find application to what is being learned. Furthermore, science builds communication skills and provides a better understanding of the world around us. With this being said, we would like to introduce some of our favorite science apps:

  • Periodic Table of the Elements: This app provides the standard periodic table of the elements for teaching chemistry. It shows how various elements differ in traits such as Atomic Number, Chemical Family, Electronegativity, Radioactivity, Melting Point, Boiling Point, and State.
  • Pocket Heart: For anatomy or biology students, this app is a great way for them to understand how the heart works. They can hear and visualize the heart in a unique 3D interface!
  • NASA: Explore with NASA through spectacular images, videos, news, and NASA TV. Features include launch information, maps to NASA locations, satellite trackers, and much more!
  • Molecules: View 3D versions of molecules, with the ability to rotate it and zoom in or out. New and custom molecules may be downloaded for viewing.
  • Frog Dissection: Teach middle-school students about organs and the organ system by dissecting a virtual frog. The app provides all dissection tools and instructions, without creating a big mess!
  • HudsonAlpha iCell: iCell gives students a 3D look inside three types of cells: animal, plant, and bacteria. They can select particular organelles in the cell for a name and description of its function.
  • Solar Walk: This app allows students to travel through the solar system, observing the planets in full detail. It provides a 3D mode for a more realistic journey.

What are your favorite science apps?