Best of the Best Lists

Matthew Lynch published in Best of the Best Lists October 20, 2020

Barcode Scanner Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Are you looking for barcode scanner apps, tools, and resources that you can use with your students? If so, we have you covered. Check out our list below. Let us know if there are any that we missed.

Bloomz– This is the face of parent-teacher communication. Teachers can send out daily announcements and reminders and recruit volunteers for school events using this platform. It provides a safe environment for students who want to share their work by scanning a QR code and putting a watermark on it. The teacher then shares the student’s work on their timeline. Even though Bloomz is free, there might be occasional experiments with premium features.

Epson iProjection– This is a wireless projection app available on iOS devices using the Epson projector. The app allows you to move about the room or stage with freedom as your presentation is cast on the projector. The app supports documents, images, and web pages saved on your device. It connects on a local network or via QR code scanning.

OoGali– OoGali provides you with a smoother, more efficient way to collect data for the price of less than a ream of paper. It records student behavior automatically, in real time using innovations such as QR codes and mobile technology so that you do not have to even look at your device. Guide your students by spending quality time interacting with them instead of focusing on your record book or your device. OoGali does one thing, which is to record behavior (good or bad). You decide what you make of it.

QR Treasure Hunt Generator– This app is designed for teachers who want to make their students move around while having fun with the learning process. This app requires no Internet connection. Teachers can input a vast amount of questions and answers into the app, which in turn generates a QR code for each item. The QR code can be pasted anywhere for students to find, students with the correct most answers to the questions they find win.

QR Wild– This is a QR Scavenger Hunt game. With this app, anyone can create scavenger hunts by generating QR codes that can be pasted in the real world or on the web. The game uses a point system based on the QR codes found. QR codes can also serve as hints for finding other hidden QR codes. You can sync the app to your social media account for easy sharing with friends and family.

Matthew Lynch published in Best of the Best Lists October 19, 2020

3rd Grade Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Are you looking for apps, tools, and resources that you can use with your 3rd-grade students? If so, we have you covered. Check out our list below. Let us know if there are any that we missed.

1000 Sight Words Superhero– Children learn to read and spell the 1000 most commonly repeated words. The app groups these sight words into 50 sets containing 20 words each to avoid flooding the child with 1000 words at once. To avoid unintended repetition, the user can highlight words previously learned and focus on new words or a set of words.

SpellingCity – SpellingCity is an app for vocabulary building, phonics instruction, and spelling practice. With over 40 games and activities, students are guided through customizable word lists to increase vocabulary or keep up with the weekly spelling words. Designed to be used independently, SpellingCity provides instant feedback for students and downloadable reports for teachers and parents. Boasting a 21.5% reading comprehension increase for native English speakers, SpellingCity is research proven and effective. With their focus on reading, hearing, speaking, writing, breaking down, and playing with words, students learn new words across all the language domains and have fun while doing it.

Whooo’s Reading – The goal of Whooo’s Reading is accelerated reading comprehension and improved writing skills. By using open-ended questions instead of the standard true/false and multiple-choice style, students are required to think independently about texts. The Whooo’s Reading program automatically reminds students to improve their writing by asking them to cite evidence or answer all the parts of a question. Teachers can monitor student’s reading with automatic quiz results, graded by the Whooo’s Reading app, available in the teacher dashboard. To increase student motivation, students earn Wisdom Coins for reading and writing. These can be spent on accessories and items for their Owlvatars (owl avatars).

Word Hippo – Word Hippo is a one-stop website for all your word needs. It includes a dictionary, thesaurus, synonyms, antonyms, rhymes, example sentences, translations into over 80 languages, the ability to find words of different lengths based on specific letters or blends, the ability to find words in different forms (plural, past tense, present tense, etc.), and the ability to hear pronunciations. Word Hippo is particularly useful for ELL students, during writing or literacy classes, or while playing a Scrabble-type game.

Power Math– Power Math is a perfect way to master elementary mathematics skills. Through digital flashcards, students will learn addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. They can customize and edit these; however, they want to help them best learn. All flashcards will then be generated in random order for an extra challenge in studying. You can even zero in on a specific skill, such as dividing by three or subtracting by five. Parents and educators are encouraged to assist children with this app to promote learning, increase motivation, and praise correct answers.

Splash Math – Good for catching up, regular practice, or enrichment, Splash Math uses games and a built-in reward system to make math fun. Real time progress reports are available for teachers and parents to pinpoint areas of concern or celebrate improvements. The app also has an option to email weekly progress reports. With three themes, space, candy, and jungle, Splash Math is customizable to students’ interests and includes all major math skills from Kindergarten through 5^th grade.

Quick Fractions– The goal of this app is to make fractions-related problems easy for anyone willing to solve them. This app is suitable for kids just starting with fractions, advanced students, and even adults looking for a challenge. The game uses four modes to keep users occupied and entertained as they try to solve the problems. The first mode is Equivalence in which users solve equivalence problems using fractions, percentages, and decimals. The second is Compare in which players compare fractions, percentages, and decimals. The third is Addition and subtraction, which involve proper and improper fractions as well as mixed numbers using mental arithmetic. The fourth mode is Multiplications and Division in which mental arithmetic is used to multiply and divide all forms of fractions.

Hands-On Equations– Hands-On Equations 1 is the algebra app for 8-year-old kids. Learning algebra can be tricky, but Hands-On Equations 1 makes it fun and interesting for your kids. The app helps to clarify difficult algebraic concepts by putting the iPad’s and iPhone’s visual and touch features into good use.

Busy Water– Help your child develop to his full potential with some “outside the tank thinking.” The objective is to get Archie the fish back to his tank using pipes, sprays, paddle wheels, and blocks. Each level provides fresh challenges, and there is more than one solution to the puzzle so that there are no limits to your child’s creativity. Suited for children between the ages of 6 and 10 years old.

Tic Toc Time– Using Tic Toc Time, students learn how to read a clock face by relating it to things they are already familiar with, such as the sun, shadows, night, and day. Developed for children aged 3-8, Tic Toc Time meets the Common Core State Standards for mathematics, including time telling for grades 1-3.

Math Evolve– Math Evolve is specially designed for children age six and up to experience both story and practice modes to learn math basics. This app features addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and more. Math Evolve incorporates math facts and mental math challenges in a game that is entertaining

Math Fight– Math Fight is a duel between two math whizzes, featuring split- screen capabilities. It is aimed at children age seven and up. The app features basic math questions that help students with speed, mental math, reflexes, and concentration. Higher-level math challenges for teenagers are also available for free.

MathBrix– MathBrix is aimed at children ages four through eight and will provide hours of fun. It will teach important topics in math and give children the know-how to tackle challenging problems in new ways. After they get control of the basics, MathBrix will present more abstract and complex topics to continue challenging their minds and help them think mathematically.

GameStar Mechanic– GameStar Mechanic, which was created for seven- to fourteen-year-olds, can be used by anyone. It is a community and a game developed to introduce principles of game design and systems in a highly interactive environment. The features included in this app makes it easier for kids to play it alone or with their parents.

Hands-On Equations- Hands-On Equations 1 is the algebra app for 8-year-old kids. Learning algebra can be tricky, but Hands-On Equations 1 makes it fun and interesting for your kids. The app helps to clarify difficult algebraic concepts by putting the iPad’s and iPhone’s visual and touch features into good use.

Homer– If you’re looking for an interactive and interesting way to spark your child’s passion for reading, HOMER Reading is the answer. The app comes with thousands of lessons on sight words, ABCs, phonics, and many more to help your child build essential skills with a customized learn-to-read plan. Children love learning to read when they read what they live. It’s designed for 2- to 8-year-old kids.

iTalk2Learn– iTalk2Learn is a math tutoring app that uses cutting-edge technology to ensure that students learn more naturally. This app is the result of a three-year collaborative European project to create an open-source intelligent tutoring platform that reinforces math learning for 5- to 11-year-old students. This will enable educators to deliver the correct lesson at the right time.

Moose Math– Designed for any three- to eight-year-old, Moose Math takes your child on a math adventure where they will have fun and learn. There are five activities in various locations around town. Hit up the Moose Juice Store to practice addition and subtraction, Puck’s Pet Shop to learn sorting, or the Lost & Found to get a better hang of geometry. The Dust Funnies and Duck Duck Moose characters in this app will help your child master math and crush Common Core Standards. There is even an option for parents or educators to receive a report card to track children’s progress.

My PlayHome– My PlayHome is the phone version of the classic toy, the dollhouse. Real life dollhouses are very limited with activities for the dolls (i.e., they can sit, walk around, sleep). However, My PlayHome allows children to have the dolls cook, drink, eat, travel, move things around, and even edit rooms with whatever they want. This app is simple enough that a baby can understand it but complex enough that an eight-year-old will enjoy it. This is the perfect application for any young child who loves to make believe and doesn’t want the limitations and restrictions of real-life toys when there is an entire world of fun and endless imagination.

Smiling Mind– Developed by educators and psychologists, Smiling Mind is a mindfulness meditation program. It has both a web and app-based interface dedicated to helping people deal with the pressure and stress of everyday life. There are a variety of tailored programs for different age groups and challenges, including sports, mindfulness in the classroom, 7-9-year olds, 10-12 year olds, 13-15 year olds, and 16-18 year olds. Smiling Mind’s app allows you to track progress and offers a variety of different meditation lengths to meet your students’ individual needs.

FunBrain– FunBrain comes with hundreds of free interactive books, videos, games, and printed material that help kids from Pre-K to 8 years old develop and master math, literacy, problem-solving, and reading skills. Vital skills and subject areas such as fractions, addition, shapes, and vowel sounds are included in each book, game, and video to give parents and educators a sense of confidence in the learning process.

Pili Pop English– Pili Pop English is geared toward children five to ten years old. It allows them to practice English verbally, learn new skills, learn new words, and learn pronunciation. Whether used for the native English speaker or bilingual child, Pili Pop will lead your child toward language fluency. You can begin with a free trial and then choose to pay monthly for full and continued access. Pili Pop is also available for Spanish language learners.

Quandary– Welcome to the world of Planet Braxos, a science fiction, narrative-driven game for mobile devices. Users play as the captain of the new human settlement on planet Braxos, shaping the direction of modern civilization and developing ethical reasoning skills. This educational game involves many diverse characters with differing perspectives designed to make the game challenging and enlightening. Users learn to solve conflicts by exploring different facts, options, and opinions as a means of solving the colony’s problems. Quantary is designed for kids age 8 to 16 years old; however, it is a game that can be played by anyone.

Reading Kingdom– The Reading Kingdom is an online program that teaches children between the ages of four and ten years old to read and write to a third-grade standard. This reading program makes available six new skill models of reading methods that use elements of phonics and whole language to teach skills that make reading and writing easy and successful. The app was built to circumvent the problems of phonics and whole language.

Reading Rainbow– Reading Rainbow is a way to provide your child with an extensive collection of books—up to 10 million books and video field trips for children. This app has an extensive library of books that would engage kids for a long time and awaken their imagination. The recommended age for children to use this app is three through nine years old; the book collections include fiction and nonfiction, as well as videos of field trips hosted by Levar Burton.

Kodable– Kodable teaches coding to kids from ages 4 through 10; it is the only complete coding program on the market. This app can be used for an individual student or for a whole school district. Kodable encourages problem-solving and critical-thinking skills while informing children of algorithms, syntax, variables, and more. These are all crucial skills that coders must acquire to succeed in computer programming. With the assistance of the app’s fuzz family avatars, children can learn computer science with friends.

Math Party Lite– Math Party Lite allows for math practice for the whole family or a party of friends. Using a split screen, children ages five and up can challenge their parents to math games. Each person can choose their math ability and engage in friendly competition, which increases their math learning. The basic version is free; an upgraded version is available for purchase.

Co-ordinates– This app incorporates practical tasks with the teacher’s participation and can be used for children between ages 5 and 14. It introduces five key areas that are needed to read maps; these skills are intended to acquaint students with the prerequisites for map reading. The app also serves as an introduction to linear equations.

Jump! A Game of Numbers– Jump! A Game of Numbers is an interesting game of simple addition for ages 6 and above. Your kids will learn to count by 2s, 3s, 4s . . . 12s. Move from one number to another by following a sequence while saving snortles and collecting beach balls as you move. Squish numbers together to get the next number as you move.

Maths with Springbird HD– Maths with Springbird is made for children aged four through eight and is available for use on iPads. By freeing little bird friends, children learn to master their math skills as well as subtraction, coin counting, shapes, number sets, and patterns. This app is available internationally and includes currencies from seven countries.

Word Wizard for Kids– For children aged 4-10, Word Wizard for Kids includes a moveable talking alphabet and three spelling activities. The moveable alphabet allows children to experiment with phonics and word building. It includes four font sizes, uppercase and lowercase letters, natural-sounding pronunciation (three American voices, one British voice, and one Australian voice are included), and spell-check. Word Practice, Scrambled Letters, and Spelling Quizzes are the three included spelling activities. Word Practice says and displays the word to spell and asks the child to use the moveable alphabet to spell it. Scrambled Letters says the word and displays the letters needed to build it, then asks the child to unscramble the letters. Spelling Quizzes is a standard spelling test. The app comes with 184-word lists and allows teachers and parents to create their own.

Matthew Lynch published in Best of the Best Lists October 19, 2020

2nd Grade Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Are you looking for apps, tools, and resources that you can use with your 2nd-grade students? If so, we have you covered. Check out our list below. Let us know if there are any that we missed.

Big Seed– Formerly available only in schools, JiJi the penguin makes its public debut! The objective of the game is to unfold the colored seed tiles to fit perfectly into all the empty cells. This is a MIND Research Math Curriculum to be completed by second graders.

ABC Mouse– ABCmouse lets your child solve math problems such as counting, and operations based on the solid foundation of numbers they learn by using this app. You can either create a new ABCmouse.com account or log in to an existing one via the app. Available on both Android and iOS platforms.

ABC Phonics – Word Family Tree– Combines phonics, spelling, beginning sound word family phonics, short vowel sounds, and images with many visual enhancements for each word. The app includes a total of 56-word family groups to be used to teach short and long vowels, spelling, and pronunciation using the Montessori Method.

ABC Spelling Magic 1– With ABC Spelling magic, your child learns the sounds letters make and how to use them to form words. The app also teaches the child to segment, which is a vital part of learning to read. The first portion of the app uses a limited number of letters to form words while the second portion contains all 26 letters of the alphabet. The app teaches the child to spell words using three phonetic sounds and short vowel sounds.

ABC Spelling Magic 2– This advanced stage focuses on using consonant clusters to form words. The app also teaches the child to segment, which is a vital part of learning to read. The first portion of the app uses a limited number of letters to form words while the section portion contains all 26 letters of the alphabet.

ABC Spelling Magic 3– The third stage in the series, This app gives your child the chance to learn 4- to 7-letter word constructions with multiple syllables. It contains nine sections with 108 words to keep your child interested.

Matthew Lynch published in Best of the Best Lists October 18, 2020

3D Modeling Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Are you looking for 3D modeling apps, tools, and resources that you can use with your students? If so, we have you covered. Check out our list below. Let us know if there are any that we missed.

3D Brain– Apps and AXS Biomedical Animation Studiodeveloped 3D Brain for the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center. The app provides 29 interactive structures and detailed information about the anatomy and physiology of the brain. It also explains how the brain is affected by mental disorders and brain injury; each detailed structure also includes information on functions, case studies, and links to modern research.

3D Molecules Edit & Test Interactive Simulations– Helps high school or college chemistry students learn by building 3-D models of organic and inorganic compounds for simple practice or for 3-D printing. Molecules can be viewed in 3-D using the stick, ball, and stick and space-filling (CPK) models.

3D C– A user-friendly app for building 3-D models. Because of its complexity, CAD is not accessible to most people. The 3DC app offers an alternative solution that uses basic shapes such as cubes and spheres, to create complex 3-D models. All these can be created by moving, resizing, and rotating these shapes to build whatever object the user wants. Models can be downloaded from an in-app gallery.

Build and Play 3D– If your children are fans of Bob the Builder or Lightning McQueen, this game may help to bolster their creativity. They learn to build various types of automotive devices in 3-D; the game is suitable for children between the ages of 3 and 5. Model assembly is made easier for your young ones by the clicking sound the parts make when they are fitted in the right place. Well assembled models come to life, and this encourages them to do more.

Explain 3D : Tropical and African Animals– Immerse yourself in the 3-D world of the tropical and African rainforests. Experience the majestic beasts that live in these regions in detailed 3-D animations, sounds, and wonderful effects. See lions, cheetahs, rhinos, crocodiles, gazelles, hippos, etc. in their natural habitats.

Explain 3D : How Cars Work– Feed your fascination with cars on this fun app. It contains eleven 3-D detailed simulations of the main systems of a car, such as car engines and friction clutches. This app offers a modern, interactive learning experience for children, teachers, and parents.

Explain 3D : How Things Work– Explain 3D: How things work is an all-encompassing learning experience for anyone who wants to learn a variety of topics ranging from cars to the universe to electricity. All topics come with beautiful 3-D simulations to explain the concepts.

itSeez3D– Scan your family and friends and anything you would like to capture in 3-D such as bags, shoes, toys, and so on with this mobile 3-D scanner. This is done with the use of an iPad with the Occipital’s Structure Sensor to capture color and structure any information before processing them into 3-D models. You can then share it on sketchfab.com from the app and become a member of the 3-D community.

Scann3D– Scann3D (patent pending) is photogrammetry technology designed to allow true 3-D model capture and reconstruction for smartphones and tablets, making your device a standalone tool for turning images into 3-D models, which can be stored, shared, and edited by third-party applications. It also allows the processing of all your images by and on your device. This app provides absolute privacy to its users as it does not store any of the user’s models without prior consent; it can also be used in augmented or virtual reality applications.

Sense 3D Scanner– Sense 3D Scanner changes the way you work. Fast, uncomplicated, portable, and practical, it presents full-color 3-D scanning for use in your home, school, and business. It is the first USB-powered handheld scanner to use the ultimate short-range scanning technology from Intel, the RealSense SR300 3D camera. By making use of HD cameras and a highly sensitive infrared projector, the RealSense technology permits a closer scan range and higher resolution than former generation devices.

Shapes 3D Geometry Drawing– This app allows you to sketch line segments, cross-sections within 3-D shapes, and pivot solids to access a better view and detect what you can build inside them. You can peruse 27 shapes, effortlessly rotate solids and examine their properties, sketch line segments across two points, create cross-sections, and 2-D shapes within the solids. This app also allows you to detect vertices, edges, and faces.

Spacecraft 3D – Spacecraft 3-D is an augmented reality app that uses the camera on a phone or tablet to allow students to interact with and explore NASA’s spacecraft. Students can see how the spacecraft move, view them from all angles, and learn about the engineering used to create them. Spacecraft are organized into categories based on the location of their mission, so for classes studying specific planets, it is simple to find only the spacecraft associated with that planet. This app would be a valuable addition to the science or astronomy classroom or as an at-home extension for students fascinated by space.

Toontastic 3D – Toontastic 3D lets students design, draw, and animate their own cartoons. The app records students’ voices and animations and stores the cartoons as a 3-D video. Students can add themselves to their cartoons with the option to import photos. There are three pre-made story arcs that students can choose from (short story, classic, and science report), or they can create their own. For students that need additional inspiration, there is an idea lab full of stories, characters, and settings to explore.

Matthew Lynch published in Best of the Best Lists October 18, 2020

3D Printing Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Are you looking for 3D printing apps, tools, and resources that you can use with your students? If so, we have you covered. Check out our list below. Let us know if there are any that we missed.

In 3D gallery– This is a cloud-based tool that can be used to create presentations online and play them back with the use of a browser and Internet connection. It helps to convert your presentation ideas into professional animations without being an expert.

SelfCAD– SelfCAD is free browser-based 3-D modeling software that fills the need for more developed, simple to use 3-D printing software for the classroom. It enables users to model, sculpt, and print with just one program. SelfCAD consists of the freehand, polyline, spline, eraser drawing, and sophisticated polygon detection features. The software is free to students and educators; nonacademic users can access a free one-month trial and have the option to subscribe for $4.99 per month.

Morphi– Morphi is an app that allows you to create 3-D models that can – be printed into real tangible objects. Using visualization, innovation, creativity, prototypes, and education, create your best models today. Morphi can also be used as a starting place to learn any STEAM subject, stop motion animation, product or graphic design, or for Maker education. One version of Morphi is free, and volume purchases are available.

Matthew Lynch published in Best of the Best Lists October 17, 2020

4th Grade Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Are you looking for apps, tools, and resources that you can use with your 4^th-grade students? If so, we have you covered. Check out our list below. Let us know if there are any that we missed.

Splash Math – Good for catching up, regular practice, or enrichment, Splash Math uses games and a built-in reward system to make math fun. Real-time progress reports are available for teachers and parents to pinpoint areas of concern or celebrate improvements. The app also has an option to email weekly progress reports. With three themes, space, candy, and jungle, Splash Math is customizable to students’ interests and includes all major math skills from Kindergarten through 5^th grade.

Study Island – Study Island is an all-in-one practice website for students to work on literacy, math, science, and social studies skills. It is built specifically around state standards, so regardless of your school’s location, you can rest assured that the content and practice provided on the website will align with your classroom teaching. Study Island is a great tool to use for high stakes testing preparation and provides real-time progress monitoring for teachers and parents. Beyond simple practice, Study Island can also be incorporated into classroom lessons for formative assessment and differentiation. It even allows teachers to import NWEA MAP assessment information for individual students and calculates a targeted learning path to fill in knowledge gaps!

Math Fight– Math Fight is a duel between two math whizzes, featuring split- screen capabilities. It is aimed at children age seven and up. The app features basic math questions that help students with speed, mental math, reflexes, and concentration. Higher level math challenges for teenagers are also available for free.

Marble Math– With Marble Math, children aged nine through twelve will learn mental math and solve math problems. With mazes, marbles, and math, your child can have hours of fun and become a math genius at the same time. There are puzzles and fun around each turn in the maze, so never be afraid to forge ahead. The app also allows you to go back to previous problems and redo them if needed.

Matthew Lynch published in Best of the Best Lists, STEM October 17, 2020

STEM Apps, Tools, and Resources That I Would Use If I Were Still in the Classroom

Back in 2001, when I started as a teacher, the technology boom was in its nascent stage. I remember toting a large bag filled with papers home most nights and going to sleep drowning under a vast sea of student homework that needed grading. My classroom was even worse, cluttered with books, manipulatives, globes, maps, and learning stations that left little room for anything else. However, as I write this in 2018, things have changed dramatically. Today’s teachers have edtech in their corners.

Digital teaching and learning tools have streamlined education processes and provide learning experiences that stretch far beyond the materials that were available for me back in 2001. Back then, if a science teacher wanted students to learn how to dissect frogs, she would have to commandeer the frog cadavers and dissection tools. Now, STEM apps can be used to facilitate virtual science labs, which allow students to perform complex science experiments in a safe virtual environment. This saves school districts the cost of buying costly science equipment and gives students a safe space to practice. Most STEM apps are either low-cost or free. If I were still in the classroom today, I’d use these STEM apps, tools, and resources:

WhiteBox Learning: This is a web-based educational platform for students in grades six through twelve. It is a complete Standards-Based STEM Learning System for Engineering, Science, and Technology Education classrooms. It allows students to design, analyze, and simulate their designs multiple times in a web browser. Students can also compete with other students in their area with their creations; they can turn it up a notch by building a physical model of their simulation.

LEGO Education– LEGO Education has been working for over 37 years to find new and fun ways to encourage education among young children. From tangible to virtual, they offer resources to make learning interactive and rewarding and allow children to learn how they want. With the LEGO system for playful learning, preschool to middle school students will get a better approach to science, technology, engineering, and math fields (STEM).

FlinnSTEM Powered by IMSA Fusion– IMSA Fusion is a complete STEM program that provides additional enrichment to students interested in science and mathematics. The name IMSA Fusion comes from the blending of inquiry-based student content and in-depth teacher content. Instructors who implement this program receive much more than teacher instructions with student pages and a box of supplies; they also receive hours of video-based, on-demand online training that truly sets IMSA Fusion apart from any other solution available.

LittleBits Electronics– LittleBits Electronics encourages creativity and inquisitiveness in young ones to help them in their future. Using technology and electronic techniques, LittleBits has over 10 kits and 70 operable “Bits” to allow your child to create and play with endless possibilities. Children will learn lots about robotics and how to build things from scratch. They will also learn the basics of electronic components, powering, how things interact with one another to create an end-product, and much more. This app will also enhance their knowledge of STEM field mechanics.

Querium Corporation – Querium uses AI in their company to help students with STEM skills so they can be ready for further studies at high schools, colleges, and universities. The Querium platform delivers personalized, bite-sized lessons and step-by-step tutoring assistance. Its personalized program is called StepWise, and it works on smartphones and computers. The company uses artificial intelligence for STEM (math, engineering, technology, and science education) applications. The app’s cognitive assistant helps students as they come across obstacles.

The PocketLab – PocketLab is a wireless sensor for exploring the world and building science experiments in the classroom. PocketLab connects to your iPhone or iPad and streams measurement data that you can see and record. It measures acceleration, force, angular velocity, magnetic field, pressure, altitude, and temperature. PocketLab is the latest attempt to make affordable sensors for classroom use.

Autodesk Digital STEAM Applied Mechanics– This app teaches the fundamentals of applied mechanics by explaining five related topics: energy and work, power, force, loading, and mechanisms. The app helps students discover the relationship between the physical theories and the practical applications of mechanics. It encourages users to learn about applied mechanisms through the array of game options available, and it also challenges them to use information gathered to solve practical problems

Mosa Mack: Mosa Mack gives upper-elementary and middle school students an opportunity to see more science experiments firsthand. They offer three-tiered lessons with animated mysteries complete with questions. A hands-on experience helps students to understand the point before being offered an engineering opportunity fully.

Solidworks Apps for Kids: This app aims to help elementary and middle school children build, design, and print 3-D objects. The app was created to expose children to engineering tools such as CAD in an entertaining way.

Did we miss any?

Matthew Lynch published in Best of the Best Lists, Gamification October 16, 2020

Gamification/Game-Based Learning Apps, Tools, and Resources That I Would Use If I Were Still in the Classroom

Digital teaching and learning tools have streamlined education processes and provide learning experiences that stretch far beyond the materials that were available for me back in 2001. For instance, back in 2001, I gamified my classroom by allowing my students to play a U.S. History version of Jeopardy. It was cool, and they really enjoyed playing it, but nowadays teachers can do so much more. There are game-based learning apps that will allow students to build their civilizations from scratch and try their hand at ruling them. Think of the teaching and learning possibilities that could arise from that. If I were still in the classroom today, I’d use these apps, tools, and resources:

Minecraft: Education Edition: Let kids play one of the hottest games but with an academic twist. This edition of Minecraft helps kids to learn computer science, problem-solving, wilderness conservation, and even introductory chemistry concepts. Students will feel like they are in the original Minecraft world but with far more substance.

Kahoot!: Educators can make their short learning games in just a few minutes. Add a few videos or images to help solidify your points, and then allow the children to play on their screens. Meanwhile, all content is broadcast to the bigger screen so students can encourage one another to keep playing.

GameDesk: GameDesk is one of the most popular apps because it allows educators to include academic content and short assessments into games, easily improving classroom engagement. Your students can play and discover new things through this app while teachers can accurately assess how students are doing at the same time.

The Basic Facts Game: This is a two-player, turn-based iPad board game. The game was developed to help children learn and practice addition, multiplication, number facts, and develop strategic thinking. Children play the game by selecting numbers to add or multiply together to place a counter on the board at each turn. The first player to have four counters side by side and in a straight line wins the game.

Ed Ap p Microlearning– This is a mobile LMS with a template library, push notifications, and analytics designed for microlearning. EdApp has an integrated authoring tool, spaced repetition, and gamification features. This courseware is designed for iOS, Android, and the web. It incentivizes learning using intrinsic rewards and integrated, real-world pricing.

Janison Academy– A fully hosted system that creates and delivers courses; provides reports, certificates, and assessments; and tracks learners. Janison uses a gamification system to engage users from the first time they log on. The learning platform is available anywhere, anytime, and on any device. The platform is designed to provide cost-effective and flexible options for learning.

Did we miss any?

Matthew Lynch published in Best of the Best Lists October 16, 2020

10th Grade Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Are you looking for apps, tools, and resources that you can use with your 10^th-grade students? If so, we have you covered. Check out our list below. Let us know if there are any that we missed.

Math Ref– To help students learn math and related subjects, this app combines 1,400 equations and formulas. It can be used in physics, chemistry, science, math, and more. There really is no reason to memorize equations nowadays; instead of writing them down or searching for them every time you need them, Math Ref will keep the formulas you need at your fingertips. The app also includes essential tools such as unit converting, triangle solver, and basic calculators to aid you in doing homework problems.

3D Molecules Edit & Test Interactive Simulations– Helps high school or college chemistry students learn by building 3-D models of organic and inorganic compounds for simple practice or for 3-D printing. Molecules can be viewed in 3-D using the stick, ball, and stick and space-filling (CPK) models.

Code Avengers– This platform teaches advanced levels of students to program using real code. It includes immersive courses that teach web and app development as well as languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Teachers get real-time feedback, alerting them to areas where students might require assistance. It is most useful for students at the high school and higher levels who want to learn to program.

QuizletFlashcards– This is a mode of the Quizlet app that allows students to use customized digital flashcards or choose from the 150 million flashcards created by other students. Students can choose from several modes to study with flashcards, including multiple-choice tests and study games. The possibilities are endless; the student can customize their flashcards using images and audio, or they can use this app to study on dozens of other Quizlet apps. Quizlet flashcards are available for high school students, college students, grad students, and more.

Grammarly– Grammarly is your personal grammar coach and an automated proofreader that helps students get better in the proper use of grammar and gain confidence in their writing ability. Grammarly helps correct about 10 times more mistakes than typical word processors, and it corrects more than 150 types of grammatical errors and does a plagiarism check.

StudySync – StudySync offers a comprehensive, technology-driven English Language Arts curriculum for grades 6-12. The curriculum integrates reading and writing with embedded skill lessons to build foundational knowledge and improve critical thinking, comprehension, and inquiry skills. Teachers have the option to use StudySync as a completely digital curriculum or turn to the printable options. With the belief that all students deserve equal access to education, Virtual Writing Tutor – This website is a free grammar and essay checker that also proofreads your work. Simply copy and paste your writing into the text box and click a button. Virtual Writing Tutor can also provide word counts, calculate average sentence length, and assess word choice. The website does not automatically correct errors. Instead, students must review a list of suggested errors and make the corrections themselves. This forces students to think about the mistakes they are making, and over time, can improve their writing. The Virtual Writing Tutor also offers an error correction game for students to practice finding and correcting common English language errors and has a portal for teachers to set up pen pal exchanges.

3D Brain– Apps and AXS Biomedical Animation Studiodeveloped 3D Brain for the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center. The app provides 29 interactive structures and detailed information about the anatomy and physiology of the brain. It also explains how the brain is affected by mental disorders and brain injury; each detailed structure also includes information on functions, case studies, and links to modern research.

A.D.A.M. Interactive Anatomy– An in-depth digital database of anatomical pictures, featuring over 20,000 anatomical images in different planes of view. Structures can be searched in different languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, and many others. Images of different body parts, organs, and systems are available in detailed, colored forms. Images also have relevant and appropriate labeling for easy identification.

Bio Digital Human– Explore the human body in 3-D using the BioDigital Human platform. Choose from thousands of immersive images to build your personal library. Responsive tools, along with detailed medical explanations, provide a fresh visual perspective for understanding the human body. This platform makes the knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and management of medical conditions accessible and available.

Bloom by Megalearn– Has your child ever asked why trees produce sweet fruits or how plants give birth? Bloom teaches your child the various methods that plants use to propagate their seed. The game teaches three methods of propagation and the plants that use them. Children also learn plant anatomy, physiology, and the names of common plants. There are no ads or in-app purchases.

InMind– InMind is a short adventurous app with arcade elements developed for Google Cardboard. This app is great for learning about anatomy as brain tissue and neurons looked so real than you can imagine. It enables players to have a lovely adventure into the human brain to look for the neurons that give rise to mental problems. It is free and can be played with any special viewer.

Mr. Body for MERGE Cube– Mr. Body for MERGE Cube will help young children learn about their bodies. With this app, you can observe the heart, brain, lungs, and more as you learn about anatomy. The app includes many facts about each body part, and you can learn their functions. Learn about your body and have fun at the same time with this hologram-esque application.

Sim Cell– Sim Cell is an engaging puzzle game that has you lead a miniature nanobot on an operation to avert a virus incursion. It lets you explore the world of a living cell, and it collects data about the cell’s anatomy and physiology. The accumulated data is then used to suggest solutions to the puzzle and rescue the cell from virus incursion.

The Human Body by Tinybop – The Human Body by Tinybop allows students to explore anatomy and biology through the lens of the human body. With a fully functioning circulatory, respiratory, and digestive system, students can explore the sounds of the heart, the gurgle of the guts, and more. In all, The Human Body by Tinybop covers eight bodily systems: muscular, skeletal, nervous, digestive, circulatory, respiratory, immune, and skin. Students can study interactive organ models, feed the body, watch sound vibrations travel through the ear canal, and learn new vocabulary with in-app text labels. The app also comes with a free handbook for teachers and parents full of discussion questions and additional

The Miracle of Life – Focused on the human life cycle, The Miracle of Life covers fertilization, gestation, and human growth. The app is designed in a narrative format so students can follow the lifecycle as if it was a story. Interactive illustrations, games, and animation clips bring the human life cycle alive and allow students to explore and engage on a deeper level with some of the anatomy aspects such as gestation. The Miracle of Life begins at fertilization and continues through middle age. This app is available in both English and Spanish.

ZygoteBody – ZygoteBody allows for the in-depth study of anatomy in a completely virtual environment. Students can add notes, dissect parts, pin, sketch, and customize scenes to study any part of the body or bodily system. ZygoteBody has advanced navigation and a 3-D library so students can locate and zoom in on any body part quickly and easily. With a premium account, dissections, notes, and pins can be saved for later reference.

IXL Learning– IXL Learning has been proven to be effective in providing comprehensive, curriculum-based math and English language arts content for kindergarten to grade 12. It also provides an immersive learning experience in science, math, language arts, and social studies for K-12. It produces real results, which is why it is trusted by top teachers and presently used by The Elite 100.

Algebrator– Algebrator is one of the leading math tutoring apps available. Using Algebrator’s step-by-step explanations of the answers to even the most difficult math problems, students can learn to solve homework problems in a way that is easy to understand. Algebrator can be used by parents, adult learners, and homeschoolers to improving their math skills.

First In Math– The First In Math (FIM) online program offers comprehensive content in an engaging format, ranging from single-step addition to complex algebra. The game-style activities ensure that students engage in active practice needed for skill retention; they are motivated using electronic award stickers when they solve questions correctly.

DigitWhiz– This app helps kids from ages eight upward learn basic math and pre-algebra skills. It uses games to teach kids multiplication, division, and integer operation. Kids earn points as they play the game. It also has a multiplayer option where kids can play with other kids from all over the world.

GeoGebra– GeoGebra comes with an easy-to-use interface and many features that help you create, modify, and share math simulations and models. It comes with multiple platforms and dynamic math software that brings together tables, graphing, geometry, algebra, calculus, and statistics in a free easy-to-use package. The app also comes with free and open-source software; it has received many educational software awards in the US and Europe.

PhET Interactive Simulations: Math– This is a math learning tool created by Nobel Laureate Carl Wieman in 2002. It helps students learn advanced math concepts using free, interactive math, and science simulations. PhET Interactive Simulations is a project developed at the University of Colorado Boulder; it interacts with students through responsive, simulated environments in which they learn by exploring.

Khan Academy– Khan Academy has more than 40,000 interactive Common Core-aligned practice questions and above 10,000 videos and explanations in economics, history, math, and more. This is the best study app and tutoring app for students of all ages who are struggling in science and other subjects. You can easily bookmark your best content to “Your List,” which can be used offline when you’re not connected to the Internet.

DigitalEd– Helps online educators in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to make learning better for students. With Maple™, the world-leading math software from Maplesoft™, providing mathematical back-up, DigitalEd creates an efficient platform for online math-based education.

FlinnSTEM Powered by IMSA Fusion– IMSA Fusion is a complete STEM program that provides additional enrichment to students interested in science and mathematics. The name IMSA Fusion comes from the blending of inquiry-based student content and in-depth teacher content. Instructors who implement this program receive much more than teacher instructions with student pages and a box of supplies; they also receive hours of video-based, on-demand online training that truly sets IMSA Fusion apart from any other solution available.

Matthew Lynch published in Best of the Best Lists October 15, 2020

11th Grade Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Are you looking for apps, tools, and resources that you can use with your 11th-grade students? If so, we have you covered. Check out our list below. Let us know if there are any that we missed.

Albert– Albert is an online tool to help students prepare for AP (Advanced Placement) and standardized tests. Albert includes over 20,000 questions, all with in-depth explanations and answers so that a student can master every question. In alignment with College Board, Albert is one of only a few fully updated resources for test prep. Thousands of students have used Albert and have increased their test scores, proving its effectiveness.

QuizletFlashcards– This is a mode of the Quizlet app that allows students to use customized digital flashcards or choose from the 150 million flashcards created by other students. Students can choose from several modes to study with flashcards, including multiple-choice tests and study games. The possibilities are endless; the student can customize their flashcards using images and audio, or they can use this app to study on dozens of other quizlet apps. Quizlet flashcards are available for high school students, college students, grad students, and more.

Grammarly– Grammarly is your personal grammar coach and an automated proofreader that helps students get better in the proper use of grammar and gain confidence in their writing ability. Grammarly helps correct about 10 times more mistakes than common word processors, and it corrects more than 150 types of grammatical errors and does a plagiarism check.

Study.com – With over 25,000 video lessons and other resources, Study.com allows students to extend their knowledge of course content from home, or it can be incorporated into classroom lessons to meet student differentiation needs. There are options to take coursework for college credit, to receive homework help or complete study prep, and engage in professional development work. With videos ranging from the history of Sparta to working with fractions, Study.com can be used with students from K-12 and beyond. Any college credit earned is easily transferrable to over 1,500 U.S. colleges and universities. Teachers can enroll their classroom, assign videos and lessons, and even access printable resources such as worksheets designed to pair with video content.

Virtual Writing Tutor – This website is a free grammar and essay checker that also proofreads your work. Simply copy and paste your writing into the text box and click a button. Virtual Writing Tutor can also provide word counts, calculate average sentence length, and assess word choice. The website does not automatically correct errors. Instead, students must review a list of suggested errors and make the corrections themselves. This forces students to think about the errors they are making, and over time, can improve their writing. The Virtual Writing Tutor also offers an error correction game for students to practice finding and correcting common English language errors and has a portal for teachers to set up pen pal exchanges.

CK-12– Helps students and teachers to improve elementary learning worldwide by making personal education tools available. Learn more than 5,000 math and science topics at a speed that suits you. Math topics include arithmetic, measurement, algebra, geometry, probability, statistics, trigonometry, analysis, and calculus. Science subjects include geography, life science, physical science, biology, chemistry, and physics. Other subjects include SAT exam prep, engineering, technology, astronomy, English, and history.

Morphi– Morphi is an app that allows you to create 3-D models that can – be printed into real tangible objects. Using visualization, innovation, creativity, prototypes, and education, create your best models today. Morphi can also be used as a starting place to learn any STEAM subject, stop motion animation, product or graphic design, or for Maker education. One version of Morphi is free, and volume purchases are available.