7 Science Apps: Interactive Learning & Experiments

Looking for science apps that make learning fun for kids? Here are 7 tested apps that mix hands-on experiments with digital tools:

App Name	Price	Best For	Key Features
Star Walk	Free/$0.99	Space learning	Point phone at sky to identify stars/planets
Science Journal	Free	Data collection	Uses phone sensors for real experiments
Toca Lab	$2.99	Chemistry	Turns elements into playable characters
NASA Globe	Free	Earth science	Kids help NASA collect real data
Human Body	$9.99	Anatomy	Interactive body system exploration
Tappity	Free trial	Video lessons	500+ topics with interactive host
Kidtivity Lab	Free trial	Home experiments	AI-matched activities for kids

What makes these apps work:

• Mix digital and hands-on learning
• Let kids learn at their own pace
• Show instant results
• Track progress
• Keep kids safe with parent controls

Studies show educational apps work best for:

• Math skills
• Reading and writing
• Visual learning
• Basic science concepts

Bottom line: These apps turn abstract science into fun, interactive experiences kids want to explore. Start with the free versions to find what works for your child.

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Star Walk: Space Learning App

Point your phone at the sky, and Star Walk shows you exactly what's up there. It's like having a personal space guide in your pocket.

Here's what the app does:

Feature	What Kids Learn
Sky Map	Shows real-time positions of stars and planets
Space Facts	Plays voice explanations about space objects
Virtual Observatory	Lets kids explore space from home
Mini-Tests	Tests knowledge with quick questions

Star Walk comes in two flavors:

Star Walk 2	Star Walk Kids (Ages 6-8)
Complete sky map	Kid-friendly graphics
Night photo tools	Fun space characters
Milky Way finder	Ad-free experience
Pro features	Basic space facts

"This app uses cartoon-like graphics to make understanding the night sky easier." - The New York Times

The app lets kids:

• Find North using the built-in compass
• Switch their view with a simple dial
• Watch the Space Station fly over
• Check out what Hubble's doing

"I found this app years ago when it was in its first incarnation, and still use it today for most of my night sky photography planning." - James Brandon, Landscape Photographer

Kids just point their device at the sky to match what they see on screen with what's above them. It's that simple. No more wondering "what's that bright thing up there?"

Price: Free version available, $0.99 to remove ads in Kids version Platforms: Get it on Google Play Store (Android) or iTunes (Apple)

2. Science Journal: Record Experiments

Google's Science Journal app transforms your phone into a data-collecting lab. The app taps into your phone's sensors to measure and track experiment data.

Here's what the app measures:

Sensor Type	What It Measures
Sound	Decibel levels in different environments
Light	Brightness and intensity changes
Motion	Speed and acceleration
Direction	Angles and orientation
Magnetism	Magnetic field strength

Kids can run hands-on experiments like:

Experiment	What Kids Do
Carbon Dioxide Test	Track exhaled CO2 using light sensors
Ocean Current Model	Study water movement patterns
Basketball Sound Study	Compare noise in empty vs. full gym
Sun Angle Analysis	Measure sunlight at different times

The app comes packed with:

• Digital notebook for experiment notes
• Screenshot and photo tools
• Data graphs in real-time
• Project folders by topic

Google's made the app more accessible by:

• Sending 120,000 experiment kits to science museums
• Giving 350,000 safety glasses to schools
• Partnering with Exploratorium for sensor kits

"We're excited to nurture an open ecosystem where people everywhere can use Science Journal to create their own activities, integrate their own sensors and even build kits of their own." - Google Announcement

Science Buddies supports the app with:

• 20 student project ideas
• 5 teacher lesson plans
• Step-by-step guides

Price: Free Platforms: iOS, Android, Chromebook

3. Toca Lab: Learn About Elements

Toca Lab makes chemistry fun by turning the periodic table's 118 elements into playful blob characters kids can experiment with. The app costs $2.99 on iOS and Android.

Kids get to play with these lab tools:

Lab Equipment	What It Does
Bunsen Burner	Heat elements and watch them react
Liquid Nitrogen	Cool elements down to see changes
Centrifuge	Spin elements around fast
Test Tubes	Mix different elements together
Magnets	See which elements stick

Here's how kids learn:

Feature	How It Helps
No Time Limits	Kids can test and play at their own speed
Element Collection	Kids fill up their periodic table as they play
Team Play	Kids can work with friends to discover more
Pictures Only	Perfect for ages 6-8 - no reading needed

"This app works well with ELL and special needs students as there is nothing to read and, like all Toca Boca games, encourages students to drag, poke and play - learning and experiencing by trial and error." - Common Sense Education Reviewer

For Teachers:

• Give kids time to play before teaching
• Keep a real periodic table nearby
• Set clear time limits for experiments
• Talk about what kids found out

The app isn't 100% accurate (you can't actually turn one element into another by freezing it), but it gets kids excited about chemistry through hands-on play.

Price: $2.99 Ages: 6-8 years old Platforms: iOS, Android

4. NASA Globe Observer: Study Earth

The GLOBE Observer app turns kids into NASA's Earth science partners. Kids collect real data that NASA scientists use in their research. You can download it free on iOS and Android.

Here's what kids can do with the app:

Feature	Description
Clouds	Snap sky photos that match with NASA satellites
Trees	Use your phone to measure tree heights
Land Cover	Document what's on the ground around you
Mosquito Habitats	Spot where mosquitoes might breed

The numbers tell the story: Since 1995, students from 119 countries have added over 145 million measurements to NASA's database. In 2016, NASA opened the app to everyone.

The app comes packed with tools:

Activity Tools	What Kids Can Do
Cloud Journal	Record what's happening in the sky
Height Calculator	Turn your phone into a tree measuring tool
Photo Tools	Match your ground photos with satellite views
Data Maps	Check out data from kids worldwide

Parents, here's how to start:

• Begin with clouds - it's the easiest way to jump in
• Make DIY tools like mosquito traps from stuff at home
• Look up what other citizen scientists found near you
• Help NASA track changes on Earth with your photos

Your kids' safety comes first:

Protection	Details
No Chat	Zero contact between users
Private Mode	Keep location info hidden
Parent Guide	Safe outdoor science tips
Data Review	NASA experts check all submissions

Want the best experience? Make it a family project. Your kids will learn about Earth while helping NASA gather data they actually use.

Price: Free Ages: 8+ years old Platforms: iOS, Android

5. The Human Body: Learn Anatomy

Want to explore how your body works? These apps make anatomy fun and hands-on.

The Human Body by Tinybop turns kids into body explorers. They'll see hearts pump, lungs fill with air, and food move through the digestive system - all through interactive play.

Feature	What Kids Can Do
Sound Learning	Speak to see sound waves move through the ear
Body Systems	Watch organs work in real-time
Language Options	Pick from 50+ languages to learn anatomy terms
Easy Labels	Tap to learn part names and what they do

For middle and high school students, Arloon Anatomy goes deeper with 3D body views:

System	What You'll See
Skeletal	Spin and study bones in 3D
Muscular	Watch muscles work together
Nervous	Map brain and nerve connections
Circulatory	Track blood moving through vessels
Respiratory	See how breathing happens

The apps pack some cool features:

Tool	What It Does
3D Views	Spin and zoom into body parts
Layer View	Peel back anatomy layers
Sound Help	Hear how to say part names
Knowledge Check	Test what you've learned

Here's what you need to know about pricing:

App	Cost	Age	Where to Get It
Human Body by Tinybop	Try free, $9.99 full	4+	iOS, Android
Arloon Anatomy	$12.99	12+	iOS, Android

Both apps meet science standards and come kid-tested. The Human Body even won Parents Magazine's Best App award.

What Parents Will Like:

• No ads
• No surprise costs
• Parent controls
• Kid-safe content

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6. Tappity: Science Videos and Games

Tappity turns science into an adventure for kids ages 4-10. The app features host Haley who takes kids through 500+ science topics with videos and games they can touch and play with.

Feature	Details
Age Range	4-10 years
Content Library	100+ hours of lessons
Topics	Animals, space, human body, Ancient Egyptian tech
Device Support	iOS only (iPad & iPhone v15.0+)
Try Before Buy	30+ free lessons

The app packs these activities:

Activity Type	What Kids Do
Live Shows	Jump into lessons where hosts respond to them
Games	Solve science puzzles and take quizzes
Experiments	Do hands-on science at home
Animal Design	Build animals that fit specific environments
Progress Tracking	Collect points in Adventure Journal

For parents, Tappity offers:

Parent Features	Function
Child Profiles	Add kids' nicknames and ages
Progress Reports	See what your kids learn via email
Discussion Guides	Get lesson-based questions
Safety Controls	Zero ads or extra purchases

"It's a great way for children to learn while having fun. I think parents will love it and we'd highly recommend it to our friends." - Mum of 8 year old

The app sticks to current science standards, with teachers checking all content. New live lessons pop up several times each week, and they're saved in the library.

Cost & Access:

• Start with 30+ free lessons
• Get everything with a monthly subscription
• Save 33% through their link

7. Kidtivity Lab: Science Activities

Kidtivity Lab makes science fun with AI-powered experiments for kids. The app picks activities that match your child's age and what they like to do.

Feature	Description
Age Range	Preschool through elementary school
Activity Types	Science experiments, hands-on learning
Topics	Magnetism, surface tension, astronomy, chemistry, physics
Safety	Built-in safety guides and material lists
Difficulty Levels	Matches your child's experience

Here's what your kids can try:

Experiment	What Kids Learn
Floating Fish	How things sink or float in water
Brush, Brush!	How toothpaste cleans using eggs
Surface Tension Tests	Why water makes droplets

For parents, the app includes:

Tool	What It Does
Science Journal	Write down what happens
Safety Checklists	Lists safety gear and materials
Difficulty Settings	Pick the right challenge level
Progress Tracking	See what your child learns

The app comes with:

• Clear, simple instructions
• Lists of what you'll need
• Safety rules to follow
• What should happen
• How to use the scientific method

Want to make experiments work better? Here's how:

Tip	Action
Setup	Pick a spot just for experiments
Materials	Look around your house first
Recording	Write down what happens
Safety	Use goggles and gloves when needed
Group Work	Team up with others

Try the app free before you buy. They add new experiments often to keep kids interested and learning.

How to Use Science Apps

Here's how to make science apps work for your kids:

Time of Day	Activity Ideas
Morning	5-minute space facts on Star Walk
After School	Experiments that match class topics
Weekends	Group projects and experiments
Before Bed	Review science journal notes

Set up your science space at home:

Area	What to Do
Kitchen Counter	Basic tools: cups and measuring gear
Storage Box	Safety items and main supplies
Device Station	Tablets with sorted app folders
Display Space	Show off experiment results

Link apps with school work:

Class Topic	App to Use
Physical Science	iTooch questions
Earth Science	NASA Globe
Life Science	Human Body app
Chemistry	Toca Lab elements

Keep track of what they learn:

Method	Steps
Science Journal	Daily notes
Photo Log	Result pictures
Question Bank	App quiz scores
Progress Charts	Done activities

What parents should do:

Goal	How
Focus	Keep sessions to 20-30 minutes
Watch	Check app reports
Help	Ask about what they found
Build	Start easy, then add challenge

For classroom app use:

Tool	How to Use It
BrainPop	Find topic videos
Canvas	Upload project photos
Quizlet	Learn science words
iPad Folders	Group by subject

Safety first:

Area	Rules
Screen Time	Set limits
Watching	Stay close during experiments
Supplies	Check lists ahead
Devices	Clear phone rules
Online	Use parent controls

Mix screen time with hands-on work. Let kids pick what interests them. Show them how app lessons connect to real science.

What Kids Learn from Science Apps

Science apps boost kids' learning when they match natural learning patterns. Here's what the data shows:

Age Group	Daily App Use	Learning Results
6-11 months	51% use touchscreens	Basic cause-effect learning
25-36 months	92% use touchscreens	STEM concept understanding
3-5 years	10-45 mins daily	Math and literacy skills

But not all apps are equal. The BEST science apps include:

Feature	Learning Benefit
Critical thinking tasks	Better than simple tap games
Self-paced lessons	Kids can review as needed
Progress tracking	Shows what needs work
Mixed content types	Videos, games, and quizzes

Parents make a HUGE difference:

Parent Action	Learning Boost
Sitting with child	19x better learning results
Giving feedback	Better info retention
Asking questions	Deeper understanding
Helping with tasks	More confidence

Different apps target specific skills:

App Type	Skills Gained
Math-focused	Number sense and counting
Science experiments	Hands-on learning
Nature apps	Earth science basics
Space apps	Solar system facts

When to use apps? Here's what works:

Time	Activity Type
Morning	Quick fact reviews
After school	Topic-based games
Weekend	Long experiments
Evening	Light review games

Bottom line: Mix screen time with real experiments. Apps work best as part of a hands-on learning approach, not as the only teaching tool.

Keeping Kids Safe While Using Apps

Here's what the top parental control apps can do:

Feature	What It Does	Why It Matters
Content Filters	Stops kids from seeing adult content	Keeps browsing safe and age-appropriate
Screen Time Limits	Cuts off app access after set times	Helps build healthy digital habits
App Management	Lets parents pick approved apps	Makes sure kids use the right apps
Usage Reports	Shows what apps kids use and when	Helps parents spot issues fast
Location Tracking	Shows where devices are being used	Keeps kids in safe spaces

Here's how to check if a science app is safe:

Safety Check	What To Do
Age Rating	Check the official store rating
Privacy Rules	See what data the app collects
Personal Test	Use the app yourself first
Safe Spaces	Pick where kids can use apps
Download Rules	Turn off app store access

Two popular parental control apps:

App	Cost	What You Get
Bark	$14/month	Watches activity, sends alerts
Canopy	$7.99/month	Smart content blocking

Must-Follow Safety Rules:

• Keep your passwords secret
• Don't give out personal info
• Use apps when adults are around
• Tell adults about bad content
• Step away from screens often

"Parents need to know what tech their kids use and talk about why some things online can be dangerous." - Steve Webb, social media expert

Science app safety steps:

What To Do	How To Do It
Watch Kids	Stay nearby during experiments
Check Supplies	Only use what's on the list
Follow Rules	Use safety gear every time
Clean Up	Put everything away safely
Keep Records	Write down what happened

Daily Safety Plan:

When	What To Do
Morning	Look at app time limits
After School	See what apps were used
Evening	Talk about online time
Weekly	Check safety controls

The best way to keep kids safe? Stay involved and keep talking about online safety.

Summary

Science apps transform how kids learn through digital experiments and games. Here's what the data shows:

Age Group	Learning Results
Preschool	Top results in basic counting and numbers
K-3rd Grade	Strong gains in topic-specific learning
Under Age 6	Big jumps in math and reading skills

A study of 5,000 kids found:

Subject Area	App Impact
Math Skills	Biggest learning boost
Language	Strong improvement
Science Topics	Best results with visual lessons

Popular science apps at a glance:

App Name	Price	Main Features
The Elements	$14	Interactive periodic table
Virtual Frog Dissection	$3.99	Lab simulations
Coaster Physics	$0.99	Physics through roller coasters
Toca Doctor	Free	Medical care puzzles

Why these apps work:

Feature	Benefit
Visual Learning	Simplifies tough concepts
Hands-on Tests	Safe experiment practice
Progress Tracking	Shows learning gains
Game Format	Boosts engagement

"This is the first study to review research findings examining young children's learning from interactive educational apps." - Shayl Griffith, postdoctoral fellow at the Center for Children and Families

The data speaks for itself: science apps work. They turn abstract concepts into fun, hands-on experiences that kids WANT to explore.