Science

The scope for science apps on the iPad is huge and the Elements app demonstrates the potential of the device. I can imagine many similar apps covering all areas of science being developed and released over the next few months and years. Science textbooks could be revolutionised if developers work with publishers on bringing their titles to the iPad. And of course now with the arrival of iBooks Author on the Mac, media rich science textbooks can now be created directly by schools.

Construction Zone HD (free/£1.99)

Great fun app for creating simple structures out of bars and pivot points which must stand on their own.

Periodic Table (free)

Comprehensive periodic table with detailed information on each element.

The Elementals (free)

Graphically rich and fun version of the periodic table for younger learners.

3D Brain (free)

Wonderful 3D interactive model of the human brain coupled with text-based facts and figures.

Science Glossary (free)

Excellent and extensive glossary of scientific terms and short biographies of key scientists.

Molecules (free)

3D renderings of molecules with full touch manipulation - more can be downloaded for free.

ESO Top 100 (free)

Astonishing collection of high quality astronomical images including galaxies and nebulae.

Issac Newton’s Gravity (free/£2.99)

Fun & challenging strategy game with decent graphics - first 7 levels free.

The Elements (£9.99)

Stunning 3D visual exploration of the periodic table which should engage the hardest to reach learners.

Calling Einstein (£6.99)

Great app about Einstein’s theories and work - started off free now quite expensive for an app.

NASA (free)

There is much to like about this app and it contains a lot of useful scientific info - links to some Flash files.

GoSkyWatch (free/£2.49)

Very detailed look at stars and constellations. Needs careful navigation and fine motor control, but worth it.

Hubble Top 100 (free)

Dramatic collection of high quality astronomical photographs taken by the Hubble telescope.

Finger Physics HD (free/£1.99)

Simple yet surprisingly challenging gravity based app involving the construction of a tower.

Build a Skeleton (£0.69)

Fun app involving the construction of the human skeleton by assembling the bones.

3D Sun (free)

Capable of stunning 3D renditions of current data from NASA satellites - needs fast web connection.

Planets (free)

Excellent planetarium in your hand with constellations and planets.

HD Inventions (£0.69)

Contains a massive amount of interesting info but has poor layout with too much unused screen space.

iSeismograph (£0.69)

Seismograph app providing x, y and z readings using the accelerometer in the iPad to detect movement.

HD Cardio Vascular System (£0.69)

Detailed analysis of the CV system in humans - good for secondary school students.

Solar System Simulation (£1.99)

Clever 3D simulation app which allows for touch manipulation of orbital planes and speed of planets.

TinkerBox HD (free)

Fun and engaging physics puzzle game with great graphics and multiple levels.

Simple Physics (£1.49)

Interesting app which sets a series of challenges involving building stable engineering structures.

Powers of Minus Ten (£1.49)

3D app looking at the human hand and then scales down like a virtual microscope into the layers of skin.

Vernier Video Physics (£1.99)

Clever app which uses video footage of thrown objects to calculate trajectory & velocity data.

Clinometer HD (free/£0.69)

App for measuring the angle, slope or inclination of an object or surface.

Viytal Signs Camera (£0.69)

Measures heart & breathing rate using iPad camera - not sure how accurate - good trigger for discussion.

3D Cell Simulation (£0.69)

Collection of hi-res images of 48 different insects - useful for screen-grabbing images for projects.

Exoplanet (free)

Amazing database of every known extrasolar planets with facts & figures + some animated graphics.

K12 Periodic Table (free)

Produced specifically for the education market - basic but nicely laid out.

Star Walk (£2.99)

Fabulous app which provides a great astronomy guide using augmented reality.

Geared for iPad (£1.99)

Cog based challenge connecting gears to complete the rotational cycle - more complex than Geared 2.

Geared 2! (£1.99)

Similar to Geared above but meant for younger learners and has hamster.

Wolfram Alpha (£1.99)

Astonishing app which is an encyclopaedia of just about anything you could possibly wish to know!

Magnetism 101 (£0.69)

Textbook app with video to help explain what magnetism is and how it is created.

Building Parallel Circuits (£0.69)

App to help with understanding electricity and how it works by building simple parallel electrical circuits.

Building Serial Circuits (£0.69)

Companion textbook app to the one above - this time looking at serial circuits.

Exploriments (various)

Series of science apps looking at various science themes, eg. electricity, motion, weight, vectors.

Electrical Toolkit (free)

Useful app for calculating the electrical data of circuit values, eg, Ohm’s law, resistance, etc. - lots of ads.

Beebot (free)

Introduction for young children to control and programming of sequences for an on-screen robot.

iCell (free)

Straightforward 3D app looking at animal, bacteria and plant cell structures with some descriptive text.

Wind Tunnel (free/£1.49/£3.99)

Brilliant app creates a virtual wind tunnel to see the effects of wind/smoke moving past solid objects.

Science360 (free)

App from the National Science Foundation brings latest news and pictures from the science world.

Video Science (free)

Creates web link to collection of 80+ science videos for KS2 and above - videos can be downloaded.

SPARKvue (free)

Great science app which connects the iPad via Bluetooth to the range of Pasco sensors.

Insects HD (£0.69)

Collection of hi-res images of 48 different insects - useful for screen-grabbing images for projects.

Solar Walk (£1.99)

Sister app to Star Walk with lots of info about planets, stars and satellites - great graphics.