12 Mobile Learning Science Applications for the iPod Touch

iPod Touch

As a mobile learning device, the iPod Touch encourages learning anytime, anywhere! These mobile devices do not tie students to their desks or the classroom; they bring the world into the classroom through the lens of personalized learning.

The value of an iPod Touch as a mobile learning device is its ability to transform student learning behavior. According to research by K-Nect Project (2009), students using this digital device achieved higher test scores. This was attributed to more interactivity between students, teachers, and content.

Digital Science Applications

The follow are 12 free digital applications for teaching and learning science, which will engage students and improve their understanding of science content. All are available through iTunes.

Distant Suns (Lite) – astronomy using database of thousands of stars, nebula and galaxies, Distant Suns has earned the reputation of both having one of the most realistic displays of the night sky.

Particle Zoo – get to know the particles which make up our universe.

Science House – science experiments using 2 to 3 minute videos to demonstrate the steps of simple science experiments. The experiments are designed to engage students at all grade levels, with very little set-up time and using only low cost materials.

BrainPop – students learn something different each day with this App. After watching a daily animated movie, students can test their new knowledge with an interactive quiz (includes subjects other than science).

Mitosis – this app guides students through the process of cell division and explains everything as it happens. Students can guide cells through the mitosis process with their fingers, learning what happens in each phase of the process. Students can also look at images of actual cells dividing under a microscope and see the actual structures you've studied.

Google Earth – students fly to far corners of the planet with just the swipe of a finger. They can explore the same global satellite and aerial imagery available in the desktop version of Google Earth, including high-resolution imagery for over half of the world's population and a third of the world's land mass.

Molecules – students can use this application to view three-dimensional renderings of molecules and manipulating them using your fingers. They can rotate the molecules by moving your finger across the display, zoom in or out by using two-finger pinch gestures, or pan the molecule by moving two fingers across the screen at once.

Weather Bug –provides students access to the largest network of professional weather stations in the US and thousands of locations around the world.

The Chemical Touch (Lite) – consists of a simplified version of the periodic table display. It puts the masses, densities, melting & boiling points, radii, and electronegativities of the elements right at your fingertips.

StoryKit – offers students the ability to use digital storytelling to explain concepts, investigations, and research.Flickr – students can search for images on Flickr related to projects and investigations. Clouds 365 – students can view use this application to view patterns and beauty of the clouds that envelop us every single day.