By Noah Moster
At first glance, the STEM field can be daunting for those just starting to learn in the world around us. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math aren’t initially concepts that one would introduce in the same vein as learning the alphabet. But that’s the beautiful thing about learning: there is no failure, only success, and experience gained. Additionally, with the advent of mobile devices, lessons don’t have to be taught solely in the classroom. Students are free to grow wherever they’d like to. With that in mind, here are three education-based apps suited for K-2 students that require only a smartphone and an eager brain!
1. PBS Kids Games
The Public Broadcasting Station is always a phenomenal educational resource for students of all ages and types, so they’re never the wrong choice regarding mobile learning for younger audiences. PBS Kids Games creates many games covering various topics: Alaskan Native culture, nature, space…they’ve got it all! There’s even an app specifically for STEM-based learning: The Cat In The Hat Invents. When it comes to quantity alone, no other option bests PBS.
2. ScratchJr
What’s more fun? Getting a fully built Lego set or assembling the construction yourself? The answer is often, of course, the latter. In that same respect, ScratchJr doesn’t provide a story or game to follow. It lays out the tools in the form of “graphical programming blocks” (in other words, characters, objects, and places controlled by computer language in the visual style of puzzle pieces) so that students can tell their own narratives instead! “Imagination” isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when considering the STEM field. Still, ScratchJr blows that stereotype out of the water by merging creativity and formulaic learning to round out the ideal schooling service.
3. Duck Duck Moose
Duck Duck Moose, similar to PBS Kids Games, is a collection of games rather than one app in particular. While it doesn’t have the immense variety of topics that PBS hosts, the advantage of Duck Duck Moose is that it has a tighter target audience, ages 2-10. Whereas other app companies may employ a wide net, this one caters to the focus group by covering grounded topics such as math, reading, and storytelling. If all else fails, it falls to the classic point of interest for kids: trucks and princesses (not in one app, unfortunately). It’s simple and sweet.
In a world where the smartphone stays with us any day for longer than our wallet, shoes, or even the clothes we wear, it often remains surprisingly unutilized in many cases when it comes to helping children increase their awareness of the vast biome they reside in! The phrase “kids and their dang phones” gets thrown around semi-frequently, and there is undeniable merit in seeing the world through one’s eyes. But if this technology is going to saturate the world as we know it (which it has already accomplished), the best option is to wield these computers to the advantage of the rising generation. There’s an empire of knowledge at their fingertips, and these three apps are merely the stepping stones for a wealth of success and experience gain.
Do you want more resources on the topic of educational STEM apps? NSTEM’s vast resources database provides thousands of searchable STEM resources by category, school level, and state. This comprehensive library includes info on enrichment activities, curricula, internships, scholarships, and more. Check out a free sampling here. Or get an NSTEM membership today to unlock the complete list.
Project-based learning enrichment provides high school students with college and career readiness. It gives them real-world relevance, transforming students into collaborators and imaginative problem solvers. They will gain the upper hand in a global landscape, stemming from enhanced confidence and grit. NSTEM provides these young STEM enthusiasts with a close community of like-minded fellow students and educators. To start your K-2 Chapter of the National STEM Honor Society, click here.
