5 STEM APPS for the Elementary Classroom

With so many classrooms having iPads, teachers are always looking for great apps to use with their teaching. I've found some apps that are recommended for teaching STEM. Some of these apps are for building and some are for beginning programming. If you are a Texas teacher, TCEA has these on their list for teaching STEM.

Hopscotch is recommended for grades 4-6. But, I'm sure higher level thinkers can master this app. It has been awarded the 2013 Parent's Choice Award and the 2014 Best Educational Technology Award.  This app is a perfect introduction to coding for elementary students. They can create games, animation and art.

Students can create their own invention with gears and gadgets or try to master the puzzles in TinkerBox. Each level introduces an new engineering concept. This free app is recommended for ages 10+. It can be a bit frustrating for young inventors.

This fun app engages students in the fundamentals of physics. Students are given building materials of wood, metal, plastic, rubber, rope, chains, and more. They build their contraptions and see how they work with the built in physics machine. There are 30 different missions from beginner to advanced. Students use critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they advance through the missions. The Monster Physics app costs $.99 and is recommended for ages 10+.

Young programmers may need a little assistance with Cargo-Bot. Students have to direct a robotic arm to pick up the crates and move them to a designated spot. Students must come up with the best solution in programming the robotic arm. This app is also free and recommended for ages 10+.

I'm sure most of you have heard of Scratch. ScratchJr is recommended for ages 5-7. But, I think any elementary age students would love it. This app is the ultimate of beginning coding. Students solve problems or program their own story or game. There are even lesson plans provided AND, it's free!

I would love for you to add more apps that you may have used in teaching STEM in your classroom. Just add your ideas in the comment section below.