A Few Interesting Math and Science Apps for Mobile Phones

Figuratively speaking, the world we live in has been cut down to size, thanks largely to the extensive reach that the tiny mobile phone has allowed us. With this small device, it is now possible to do just about anything – communicate, entertain, learn – the list is endless. The more sophisticated of this breed, the smartphones, are even more convenient as all-in-one tools because they have operating systems that allow you to use them similar to computers. So if you own one of these gadgets and are on the lookout for interesting math and science apps to try out, here is a compilation of a few apps that I think are useful:

For the iPhone:

• Get all the Science: If you’re a regular subscriber to the RSS feeds of major science publications online, then this is the app for you. It brings pages from websites like Nature, New Scientist, and others and displays them on your phone for your convenience.
• Uranus: This app is GPS-enabled and allows you to view information about the night sky from any place on earth.
• Scientific Calculator: You don’t have to shell out money any longer for a scientific calculator; just download this free app onto your iPhone.
• Pi Cubed: I love mathematics, so this app had me really excited – it allows you to actually use your iPhone’s screen as a notepad on which you can do Math equations. The interface supports animation and touch input, so it’s easy to enter and delete numbers and symbols.

For the Android:

• Elements: An easy ready reckoner for the periodic table, this app helps you look up not just the names of elements and their atomic numbers, but also their melting points, atomic radii and more.
• HandyCalc: A good scientific calculator app written for the Android OS.
• SciencePal: This app allows you to access information not just about the periodic table, but also about scientific constants, the solar system, and nuclides.

For the BlackBerry:

• Math Trainer: This app is both fun and informative for kids and adults; it allows you to practice basic mathematics in three modes – exam, timed and training.
• Viigo: This app is basically an RSS aggregator, but you can set it to read all the science blogs and sites that you’re passionate about so you stay on top of all the latest news.

For Windows Mobile:

• SpaceTime Mathematics: This app is probably the most advanced mathematical and scientific calculator in the mobile world; it includes features for plotting, symbolic calculus and scripting besides other functions.
• Calc Pro: Another basic math-based app for Windows Mobile phones, this features options for graphing, financial calculations, standard computations, unit conversions, statistical calculations, and much more.

There are many other science and math apps for mobile devices, most of them having been written for the iPhone for obvious reasons, but the Android is soon catching up as a popular OS. So no matter what the brand of your device, you’ll be able to find suitable apps.

This guest post is contributed by Anna Miller, who writes on the topic of online degrees . She welcomes your comments at her email id: anna.miller009@gmail.com

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Learning On the Go: Mobile Math Resources for Your Kids

Both math and science are subjects that are perhaps most difficult to teach to young learners, especially during the pivotal late elementary and middle school stages. What's the best way to reach out to them? Perhaps the most effective method is to use the medium by which young learners communicate--mobile devices. According to a national survey from CTIA and Harris Interactive, cell phone use comprises almost half of a teen's social life, and four out of five teens carry some form of mobile device. This figure represents a 40% increase since 2004. In the final prognosis--when you want to get a kids' attention, if can't beat, then join, as the saying goes.

Aside from the ever-increasing popularity of the iPhone and its family of related gadgets, there are several STEM learning resources for pre-teen and teen students beyond Apple products. One such application is Math4Mobile. This cell phone application was developed in 2007 by Prof. Michal Yerushalmy, of the Institute for Alternatives in Education of the Faculty of Education at the University of Haifa. When the app is installed on a cell phone, it enables users to perform mathematical functions as advanced calculus and as basic as elementary geometry. What's more, it's compatible with almost all cell phones.

Another interesting mobile device created earlier this year is the TINspire Navigator. Developed by Texas Instruments, the device enables math and science educators to facilitate classroom collaboration and discussion. Similar to how online schools interact virtually. This particular learning device is a variation on the concept of the cell phone. Students will likely respond to such technologies well.

The numbers of elementary and middle school STEM learning resources are vast. And sifting through the Internet is a great way to begin finding new ways to teach the same thing. The bottom line, however, is to make sure these resources align with your students interests and personal technologies. They'll be more willing to employ new methods if they're approached with something they are already familiar with.

By-line:

This guest post is contributed by Tim Handorf, who writes on the topics of online colleges. He welcomes your comments at his email Id: tim.handorf.20@googlemail.com.