By Isabel Eva Bohrer on July 1, 2012 in
Apps are revolutionizing every aspect of modern life, including everyday education. Schools are implementing new technology, including some of the apps listed below, in their day-to-day curriculum. However, you don't need to be a student to use these apps, which cover astronomy, science, math, history and more.
Star Walk for iPad ($4.99)
Instead of heading to your city's planetarium for an interactive astronomy guide, why not use the sky? Packed with educational content and stunning visuals, the Star Walk app won an Apple Design Award in 2010. You simply point your iPad at any star, constellation or satellite, and the app will identify it using its augmented reality feature. Then, you can even travel back in time to see what that same sky looked like at any point in time - you can also look into the future. An internet connection is not required, meaning that you can stargaze from anywhere.
Google Goggles (available for iPhone and Android; free)
As the most popular search engine, Google has become the go-to solution for those looking for answers. Google Goggles allows you to search the world by images. Whether it's a product, famous location, window display, a work of art, or simply a QR code, all you have to do is take a picture of it, and Google Goggles will find out what it is. Should the image contain words, Google is able to translate phrases from German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese and Russian.
Khan Academy for iPad (free)
Khan Academy is an online video library with more than 2,700 educational films, ranging from K-12 math to complicated finance. While high school and college students can certainly benefit from the interactive statistics videos, anyone can take advantage of what the Khan Academy offers. Life-long learners can explore an array of topics. (For example, you can learn how Australia's landscape was impacted by fire stick farming.) Those with an Android phone can download an unofficial player to view the videos, too.
Back in Time for iPad ($7.99)
If you're eager to find out how the universe developed and evolved, this is the app to get. Relying on 300-plus images, 60-plus videos and 40-plus illustrated timelines, this app will take you from the Big Bang all the way to the present day, showing you exactly how life evolved. Whether you're interested in the dinosaurs or the Neanderthals, you can stop the journey at any point in time to find out more. While the app caters to all ages, it is particularly ideal for younger children who will appreciate the interactive features. No internet connection is required.
Bobo Explores Light for iPad ($6.99)
Got an inquisitive child? Show them why the sky is blue or how a telescope works using the Bobo Explores Light app (pictured). Bobo the robot guides you through the answers using holograms and other multimedia tools. With over 100 pages of content, there's a lot of learning to do. The app won an Apple Design Award this year.
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