There are literally millions of apps out there covering just about every topic imaginable. This list highlights a few of the STEM-related apps that our participating teachers have used or suggested. It's hardly an exhaustive list, but these provide an excellent introduction to what is out there.
Have other suggestions? Let us know in a Leaf! And be sure to check back occasionally as this list will certainly change!
- new and exciting updates!
- apps that are great on iPad!
Apple Collections
- Apps
Apple Classroom
- "Classroom is a powerful iPad app that helps teachers guide learning, share work, and manage student devices."
- (SPA doesn't have too much experience with Classroom, but we've definintely been looking closely at it. Let us know if you've used it in your classroom!)
iBooks
- A nice overall guide from Apple is an iBook entitled, aptly enough, Discovering Educational Content for iPad.
- Another good choice is Evaluating Apps for the Classroom.
- There are plenty more to read in Apple's iBook Education section.
Swift Playgrounds
- Overview of Swift Playgrounds
- A fantastic new app from Apple that walks you through coding in Swift (the language of iOS apps). The interactive tutorials are great for students, but are also work extremely well for adults. Even if you don't think you want to learn how to code apps, this is a great introduction to the process and mindset required to code.
Apple Notes
- Notes Overview
- Notes is a deceptively simple app that quickly becomes indispensable. Sync notes across devices, access your notes from iCloud, and work collaboratively!
Other Collections
3D Modeling and Printing
- uMake
- Shapr3D
- Autodesk
Overview of Autodesk Apps
- 123D Make
- 123D Catch
- 123D Sculpt+
- 123D Creature Show
- 123D Design
- TinkerCAD (web-based, but awesome!)
- Sites for Models
Graphics and Design
Procreate
- Procreate has become the baseline for drawing and painting programs. Not free, but VERY good.
Pixelmator
- Photoshop for iPad, basically. Another best-of app.
- Strip Designer (pay)
- ShowMe
- Ideament (formerly Idea Sketch)
- Animation HD (pay)
- Toontastic
- LEGO Movie Maker
Notes and Writing
Paper by FiftyThree
- A great sketching and note taking app. The free version is very good on it’s own.
Notability
- A best-of handwritten note, pdf mark-up app. Lets you record audio as you take notes. Pay, but very good.
Art and Music
Astronomy
Foreign Language
Geography
- Google Earth
- Stack the States (pay)
- National Geographic World Atlas (pay)
- The Economist - World in Figures on iPad
- TapQuiz Maps
Health and Medicine
- WebMD
- The Vitamin Adventures of Don and Flip
- 3D Brain
- Life Science
- Audubon
- THe Virtual Bacterial ID Lab
- Cell Defender
- Era of Dino (pay)
- Frog Dissection (pay)
- A Life Cycle App (pay)
- Nature Sound Free
- Rainforests (Britannica Kids) (pay)
- Rat Dissection (pay)
- Virulent
Language Arts
Mathematics
- Mathmateer Free
- Everyday Mathematics - Monster Squeeze (McGraw-Hill) (pay)
- Sudoku 2
- Everyday Mathematics - Tric-Trac (Mc-Graw-Hill) (pay)
- Lobster Diver HD
- Math Dictionary for Kids (pay)
- Sushi Monster (Scholastic)
- Math Blaster Hyperblast 2
- Middle School Math 7th Grade
- Middle School Algebra
- TowerStorm for Math and Literacy
Multiple Subjects
News
Physical Science
- The Elements by Theodore Gray (pay)
- Molecules by Theodore Gray (pay)
- Molecules
- Periodic Table of Chemical Elements Quiz
- Nova Elements
Productivity
- Apple
- Google Earth
- Google App
- Chrome Web Browser
- Google Translate
- Google Maps
- Google Drive
- Google Docs
- Google Sheets
- Google Slides
- Google News and Weather
- Microsoft
- Dropbox
Utility
Documents by Readdle
- Because the file system on the iPad is a little difficult to get around, this app is really useful. It’s kind of a lifesaver!
Printer Pro
- This is another useful one if you don’t have an AirPrint compatible printer. You set up a Mac or PC as a go-between for printing. Works well.
Reference
Science Reference
- Click and Learn
- How Stuff Works
- Life Science
- Science Friday
- Color Uncovered - explOratorium
- Sound Uncovered - explOratorium
- How Many Saturdays - explOratorium
- Clean Energy Hawaii STEM (pay)
- iNaturalist
- Lab Timer
- Ruler