Updated November 12, 2026
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that by 2029 employment in STEM occupations will increase by 8%, more than twice the rate of non-STEM careers. And the fact that the median STEM wage is more than double that of non-STEM wages underscores the importance of effective K-12 STEM instruction.
STEM subjects can be dense and difficult for students to engage with, which is why these top STEM apps can make a valuable addition to your STEM-teaching toolkit. Most offer free basic accounts, and all are designed to capture the imagination of users, through games, puzzles, and high-quality graphics and sound.
Best STEM Apps for Education
OctoStudio iOS Android
A free coding app created by the MIT Media Lab for users age seven and older, OctoStudio combines screen time with physically active time by encouraging kids to interact with the real world while learning block-based coding. Students use their device to capture images, video, or audio in the real world, then incorporate the media into the coding games. Highly rated in both Android and iOS versions. Even better–it’s the rare app that is fully free, with no need to pay for premium features.
The Human Body by Tinybop iOS Android
Detailed interactive systems and models help kids learn human anatomy, physiology, vocabulary, and more. A free handbook provides interaction hints and discussion questions to support learning in the classroom or at home. $3.99 with in-app purchases.
Shapr 3D CAD modeling iOS Windows
A sophisticated program aimed at the serious student or professional, yet simple enough for beginners, Shapr 3D CAD modeling is designed to provide users a mobile platform for CAD (computer-aided design) software, which is typically desktop-bound. The app is compatible with all major desktop CAD software, and supports Apple Pencil or mouse-and-keyboard input. Free with in-app purchases.
Brilliant Math and Coding iOS Android
An Apple Editor’s choice award winner, Brilliant carries a remarkable rating of 4.7 (33k Apple ratings) and 4.5 (115k Google Play ratings). Brilliant’s STEM learning apps function as tutors, employing games and puzzles that teach kids in 5th grade through college math and coding topics in a highly visual, engaging way. Free with in-app purchases.
Periodic Table 2026: Chemistry iOS Android Web
An extremely popular free app that provides a wealth of useful information about the periodic table and its chemical elements. Click on any element to reveal a submenu of images, history, properties, solubility, Wikipedia links, and more. With more than 40,000 ratings, this app has a remarkable average 4.8 stars out of five. The developers keep the app updated and respond to selected comments. Don’t have a mobile device? Not to worry, the web version is accessible on your desktop computer and is super easy to use. Free with in-app purchases.
Froggipedia by Embibe iOS Android
A former Apple App of the Year, Froggipedia invites users to embark on a virtual exploration and dissection of frogs, all without textbooks, lab space or ethical concerns. High-quality images and animations demonstrate frog anatomy, life cycle, and behavior in a way that will engage kids in learning frog biology—and pique their interest in other life science topics. $3.99
K-5 Science for Kids - Tappity iOS
Guided by Haley the science expert, kids learn science with thousands of fun interactive lessons, activities, questions, and stories covering more than 100 topics, including astronomy, Earth science, physics, and biology. Lessons align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Free to try, with several paid subscription plans.
Hopscotch-Programming for kids iOS
Designed for the iPad, and available for iPhone and iMessage as well, Hopscotch-Programming for Kids teaches children age 4 and above the basics of programming and game/app creation. This multiple-award winner is an Apple Editors’ Choice. Free with in-app purchases.
Inventioneers iOS Android
Kids learn physics while having a blast creating and sharing their own inventions, aided by Inventioneers Windy, Blaze, and Bunny. Winner of Parents' Choice Gold Award. Free with in-app purchases.
Minecraft: Education Edition iOS Android
The ultimate building app for students, teachers, and kids of all ages, Minecraft is both a game and a powerful teaching tool. The education version provides hundreds of standards-aligned lessons and STEM curricula, tutorials and exciting building challenges. For teachers, students, or schools without a Minecraft: Education Edition subscription, try the hugely popular original Minecraft: iOS Android.
Monster Math: Kids Fun Games iOS Android
This highly touted gamified math app allows kids to learn and practice grade 1-3 Common Core Math Standards. Features include multiple levels, skill filtering, multiplayer mode, and in-depth reporting with skill-by-skill analysis. Free with in-app purchases.
Prodigy Math Game iOS Android
Prodigy uses an adaptive game-based learning approach to engage students grades 1-8 in building and practicing math skills. Math questions are aligned with state-level curricula, including Common Core and TEKS. Free with in-app purchases.
SkySafari iOS Android
Like a pocket planetarium, SkySafari lets students explore, locate, and identify millions of celestial objects, from satellites to planets to constellations. Try the voice control feature, or use it in augmented reality mode to combine a simulated sky chart with the real view of the night sky. $4.99 with in-app purchases.
