We're working our way through school, app list style. This week's feature is my opinion on the must-have iPad apps in a classroom or at home for junior high students (or grades 7 and 8), about ages 13-14 in the US. And don't forget to check the Kindergarten Top 10 list, First Grade Top 10 list, Second Grade Top 10 list, Third Grade Top 10 list, Fourth Grade Top 10 list, Fifth Grade Top 10 list and Sixth Grade Top 10 list. Many of the apps on these lists are still appropriate for 7th and 8th grade students (even the kindergarten list has a few apps that are great for older students, too). Keep watching for the high school list — our final list!
These are the top apps I recommend for kids working on skills typically taught in 7th and 8th grades (in the United States, about ages 13-14). I tried to focus mostly on apps that are appropriate for any student at this level, even if they are older than the typical age. Most of these apps also work well for students who are ready for more of a challenge. This is the "if you're going to buy a quality app, buy this one" list. Please share your ideas with us, too. What are your favorite apps for middle school students?
Science360 for iPad
This is one of my favorite science apps for older kids, and it's completely free! It includes images, videos and a news feed, sharing current science information from around the world. The content is updated frequently, and it's easy to search for something specific to line up with a science curriculum. It's also a great addition to a language arts program as informational text (emphasized in the Common Core State Standards). Plus, did I mention it's free?
iPad only, completely FREE
This is a math puzzle game that helps support overall math problem solving and learning algebra, which most junior high students do in the US. Logical thinking is essential in today's mathematics education, and this app is a great way to start. Each puzzle is a scale, and the goal is to get each side equal. Of course, this is the underlying premise of algebra, that both sides of an equation are equal and they can be manipulated by following rules, as long as both sides stay equal. This is another completely free app!
iPad only, completely FREE
myHomework Student Planner
In schools with 1:1 student devices, this app is a must-have. Get rid of the paper planners and help students learn to use the iPad to keep track of assignments and homework. It's also a great app for students to use at home, even if they don't yet have a school-provided device — use it to plan and prioritize work on assignments and to provide reminder notifications. This app is amazing for organization (I should have used it for my graduate school classes), and free to use the basic version. There are in-app purchases for the premium version and for different themes.
iPad/iPhone, FREE with in-app purchases
Literary Analysis Guide
Use this app now in junior high and students will be able to make use of it through high school and even college. It's a great way for students to understand what literary analysis is all about, and the clickable interface wheels are pretty fun. A student studying symbolism, for example, can find the word on the wheel to get a definition, examples, a paragraph and even questions to ask about the text. Make learning analysis of poetry, literature and writing a lot more fun for this age group.
iPad/iPhone, $2.99
Middle School Confidential™ Series
The new app bundles are a great way to get these must-have apps for social-emotional development. Purchase in the bundle for $7.99 for all three, with a discount for users who already own one or two of the apps. They are fantastic, both in content and design. The graphic comic style appeals to this age group, and the apps take on issues commonly at play in this age group, including self-confidence, family relationships, and true friends (including peer pressure). The apps can be used for language arts and health curriculum, as well.
iPad/iPhone, $7.99 for three apps ($2.99 for individual apps)
Keynote
This Apple Essentials app is truly essential for any class presentations using the iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. It's simple to put together presentations on the iPad itself, and it's also easy to open presentations created on a Mac on Keynote. It works with PowerPoint presentations as well, though some editing will be necessary to get the layout correct. Whatever method is used for creating presentations, Keynote is fantastic for this digital age. It's available for free on any new generation device, but it's definitely worth the price for all others. Educators can get it for half price with the Volume Purchasing Program, too, for 20 or more copies.
iPad/iPhone, $9.99
Smithsonian Channel for iPad
There is so much content available for free in this app it's unbelievable. It's a great addition to social studies and history curriculum. There are many free full episodes (available on a rotating basis), but there are thousands of shorter videos always available. Use it to supplement or extend a lesson for all students. The graphics are phenomenal in this app, too.
iPad only, completely FREE
Word Dynamo — Flashcards & Word Games
This app from Dictionary.com is a fun way to practice learning new vocabulary words. Teachers can set up specific word lists or simply use what is already set up in the app. Practice daily to expand vocabulary, a necessary skill for improving reading comprehension and preparing for high school and college, including quizzes and flashcards.
iPad/iPhone, $2.99
Math 42
Yet another fantastic, completely FREE app for this age group! This app provides a wonderful resource for all levels of math learners after fifth grade, making it good for those who are below, on, or above grade level. It's been free since June, but it could go back to paid at any point, so be sure to download this one quickly in order to take advantage of this great app for free. Get math support for any problem, including not just how to solve but also step-by-step solutions and a training mode to increase math proficiency. There are also tests, from 5-20 questions, to evaluate current math strengths and needs.
iPad/iPhone, completely FREE
SimpleMind+ (mind mapping)
There are several good mind mapping apps, but this one is my favorite. It's free to use, with advanced features available in a single in-app purchase. But even the free version has a lot of functionality for mind-mapping. Mind-mapping is a great technique to use to brainstorm, plan and organize in writing and presentations, and it's very useful in group projects, too. The concept is great to teach students to help organize their thoughts on any topic.
iPad/iPhone, free with in-app purchase
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Heather H.'s 8th grade son also highly recommends the Crash Course YouTube channel, for some amazingly funny and informative history videos.
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