Top-Rated Apps for STEM Learning in Education
Best STEM Education Apps and Platforms for K-12: A Comprehensive Guide
In the ever-evolving digital age, education has seen a significant shift towards technology-based learning. Here's a roundup of some of the top STEM education apps and platforms for K-12 students, each offering unique features and benefits to cater to various learning needs and styles.
Khan Academy Kids
A free app designed for ages 2-8, Khan Academy Kids offers interactive games, books, and lessons in literacy, reading, writing, and math. Focusing on foundational skills with a joy-driven approach, the platform also emphasizes social-emotional learning and creative play. Developed in collaboration with Stanford experts, it is ad-free and subscription-free.
Merge Cube
Merge Cube is an augmented reality (AR) tool that brings hands-on STEM learning to life through 3D AR objects viewable on mobile devices. The affordable hardware (approximately $20) combined with the free app offers immersive, interactive STEM experiences without the need for costly VR headsets.
BrainPOP Science
BrainPOP Science provides science resources, including videos, worksheets, and games, covering a broad range of scientific topics. Ideal for K-12 students needing science support, the platform offers a school subscription-based model.
PhET Interactive Simulations
PhET Interactive Simulations, developed by the University of Colorado Boulder, offers free, interactive science simulations that teach science concepts through exploration and discovery in a game-like environment. Perfect for middle and high school science learners.
Socratic by Google
Socratic by Google is an AI-powered homework helper that provides step-by-step explanations for homework problems across multiple subjects, including math and science. Enhancing concept understanding rather than just providing answers, it is free to use.
Canva for Education
Canva for Education is a free design platform for K-12 teachers and students, offering AI-powered tools for creating visual educational content such as posters, infographics, and presentations. Thousands of templates are available to enhance student engagement.
Brilliant
Brilliant is an online STEM course platform with interactive problem-solving lessons focused on mastery rather than memorization. Covering math, science, engineering, and computer science concepts, it is suitable for older elementary to high school STEM learners.
Carnegie Learning
Carnegie Learning is an AI-driven personalized math and science education platform with cognitive science foundations. Featuring game-like solutions such as MATHia Adventure, it helps students practice skills in a colorful environment and is widely used across US districts.
Quizlet
Quizlet offers flashcards and AI-generated quizzes for exam prep in various STEM subjects, supporting quick review and study efficiency. Ideal for K-12 students for exam prep and reviews, it is free with a Pro upgrade.
Microsoft Teams for Education
Microsoft Teams for Education is a collaboration platform that integrates video calls, file sharing, and apps like Whiteboard, supporting hybrid STEM group work and project-based learning. Essential for collaboration and organization in STEM projects, it is free for educators.
These apps cover a broad spectrum of STEM needs — from early foundational skills to advanced interactive courses and personalized AI tutoring — making them excellent options to enhance STEM education in K-12. Most tools are either free or have educational pricing/subscription models suitable for schools.
For specific app recommendations for certain age ranges, subjects, or learning styles, tailored suggestions can be provided upon request.
Additional Noteworthy Mentions:
- PBS KIDS Science and ABCya Science offer science-based games targeted at younger students to build STEM interest early on.
- Notion AI assists both students and teachers with note-taking, content creation, and organization, leveraging AI to boost productivity and learning management.
- Udacity offers AI-personalized courses mainly targeted at older students and lifelong learners, useful for advanced STEM education.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in STEM occupations will increase by 8% by 2029, more than twice the rate of non-STEM careers. With the growing demand for STEM professionals, these apps and platforms are poised to play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of innovators.
- Khan Academy Kids, a joy-driven app for ages 2-8, focuses on foundational skills, social-emotional learning, and creative play, offering interactive games, books, and lessons in literacy, reading, writing, and math, and emphasizes being ad-free and subscription-free.
- Merge Cube brings AR objects to life through 3D AR views on mobile devices, making STEM learning hands-on and immersive, catering to various learning needs, without requiring costly VR headsets.
- BrainPOP Science provides diverse science resources, including videos, worksheets, and games, covering different scientific topics, making it a beneficial platform for K-12 students needing science support.
- PhET Interactive Simulations offer free, interactive science simulations, teaching concepts through exploration and discovery in a game-like environment, ideal for middle and high school science learners.
- Socratic by Google is an AI-powered homework helper, offering step-by-step explanations for homework problems across multiple subjects, encouraging concept understanding and accessible for free use.
- Canva for Education is a free design platform for K-12 teachers and students, providing AI-powered tools for creating visual educational content, such as posters, infographics, and presentations, aiming to enhance student engagement.
- Brilliant is an online STEM course platform, featuring interactive problem-solving lessons focused on mastery rather than memorization, covering math, science, engineering, and computer science concepts, suitable for older elementary to high school learners.
