Higher order thinking is a critical skill that students need to learn before they venture out into the real world. To be successful outside of the classroom, students must learn to evaluate the information in front of them and solve problems creatively. Educators have several tools at their disposal to help students learn this all-important skill, but edtech might be able to play a pivotal role.

The right apps, online tools, and resources can contribute to significant growth in areas related to critical thinking, especially in subjects like STEM. Are you looking for STEM apps, tools, and resources that you can use with your students? If so, we have you covered. Here are a few of the most prominent STEM apps, tools, and resources that educators can use to help their students learn to think. Let us know if there are any that we missed.

SyncBlasts for Science– This app is a standards-driven, supplemental offering by StudySync that features daily, engaging, inquiry-based reading and writing assignments with rich multimedia that delve into scientific research and discoveries through a contemporary lens. Students utilize a social media-like platform to share and discuss their unique thoughts around each SyncBlast topic, fostering academic inquiry and conversation. New SynchBlasts are published each school day, ensuring relevant, current topics and a consistently growing library of content available. 

For more information, go to:

https://www.studysync.com/products/SyncBlast

https://www.studysync.com/free-trial

A is for Amphibians– Children can have fun playing with frogs without getting dirty on the A is for Amphibians game for children between the ages of 5 and 8. This app contains STEM-based vocabulary and 3-D pictures to feed children’s curiosity about the world around them. The app comes free with a limited time offer of no in-app purchases.

CellEnergy Photosynthesis Labs– This app brings life to the process of learning about photosynthesis and cellular respiration. It uses life science themes such as Capture Light, or Break Water to engage students using a simple drag and drop technology to match labels and pictures to diagrams. The engaging gameplay allows children to grow their favorite snack’s key ingredient. Teachers can also track and manage students using the Andamio dashboard. Useful for high school and middle school students.

LEGO Education– LEGO Education has been working for over 37 years to find new and fun ways to encourage education among young children. From tangible to virtual, they offer resources to make learning interactive and rewarding and allow children to learn how they want. With the LEGO system for playful learning, preschool to middle school students will get a better approach to science, technology, engineering, and math fields (STEM).

LittleBits Electronics– LittleBits Electronics encourages creativity and inquisitiveness in young ones to help them in their future. Using technology and electronic techniques, LittleBits has over 10 kits and 70 operable “Bits” to allow your child to create and play with endless possibilities. Children will learn lots about robotics and how to build things from scratch. They will also learn the basics of electronic components, powering, how things interact with one another to create an end-product, and much more. This app will also enhance their knowledge of STEM field mechanics.

Minecraft: Education Edition– This version of Minecraft will help you learn. Whether computer science, wilderness conservation, chemistry, coding, math, STEM topics, and more, you can learn educational topics the fun way. If you love Minecraft, you will surely love this version.

Morphi– Morphi is an app that allows you to create 3-D models that can – be printed into real tangible objects. Using visualization, innovation, creativity, prototypes, and education, create your best models today. Morphi can also be used as a starting place to learn any STEAM subject, stop motion animation, product or graphic design, or for Maker education. One version of Morphi is free, and volume purchases are available.

Querium Corporation– Querium uses AI in their company to help students with STEM skills so they can be ready for further studies at high schools, colleges, and universities. The Querium platform delivers personalized bite-sized lessons and step-by-step tutoring assistance. Its personalized program is called StepWise, and it works on smartphones and computers. The company uses artificial intelligence for STEM (math, engineering, technology, and science education) applications. The app’s cognitive assistant helps students as they come across obstacles.

robots4STEM– In its bid to promote diversification and make education more inclusive, RoboKind created robots4STEM, a visual programming platform that provides students with the foundational knowledge required for computer science development. It uses a drag-and-drop programming system to teach students the logic of programming while they control Jett, a facially expressive, responsive, humanoid robot. It allows students to learn visual programming using a customized avatar and Jett, a technologically improved, facially expressive robot.

What did we miss?