50 Best iPad Apps for STEM Education

by Staff Writers, onlineuniversities.com
May 30th 2012

Despite early doubts, the iPad has proven to be an incredibly valuable tool for education, both in the classroom and in homes around America. By offering students, from elementary school all the way up to the university level, the chance to do some hands-on learning, exploring, and sometimes even educational gaming, the device makes education fun and exciting, something that isn’t always easy to do.

With schools falling behind in math and science education and companies unable to find enough qualified professionals to fill jobs in science and technology fields, pushing STEM education is more important than ever. Educators and parents can help get kids interested and perhaps even hooked on STEM no matter their age with the help of the iPad and the myriad great educational applications it offers. Here, we share some of the best applications for STEM education, and with selections that work for students of all ages and abilities, you’re bound to find something that’s the perfect companion to any STEM lesson.

General

These applications address STEM more generally or act as amazing tools and reference guides for learning.

Mythbusters HD:
Fans of the Mythbusters TV show can get even more myth-busting action with this iPad app, filled with videos, games, and much more.
Science Illustrated:
Get access to the great stories in Science Illustrated when you get this app, paired with a subscription to the magazine. Stories range from green tech to biology to anthropology, hitting on just about everything else in between, too.
VideoScience:
Dan Menelly, a science teacher at the UN International School, provides the short videos at the center of this app, teaching students about all kinds of scientific concepts.
Khan Academy:
Practice math, science, and computer science skills by watching the videos and completing the activities offered through the always-free Khan Academy.
Seismograph:
Get a quick lesson in earthquakes by checking out this seismograph application that can help you to measure any vibration, shaking, or movement.
iLab: Timer HD:
The ideal accompaniment to any lab work, this timer lets you easily time experiments with accuracy and record your results.
Wolfram Alpha:
Wolfram Alpha is the ideal reference tool for problems in mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry, engineering, astronomy, biology, computer science, and much more.
Science Glossary:
Look up the names of famous scientists, scientific terms, and other essential information in this free reference application for iPhone and iPad.
PLoS Reader:
Through the PLoS Reader app, learners can access articles from the seven academic journals published by the Public Library of Science.
Exploriments:
Exploriments is all about providing students with fun, simulation-based learning units on science topics. Through their apps, students can learn about topics like motion, fluids, electrostatics, force, and electricity.
Science 360:
The National Science Foundation provides this app, filled with science and engineering images, videos, and news from around the world.