10 Kid-Friendly Chrome Apps That Shine
You’ve bought a Chromebook for your kids. Now it’s time to install apps from the Chrome Web Store that let them learn, play and explore. Here are 10 that kids ages 4 to 14 will enjoy. Most are touch enabled, and some also work when your Chromebook is offline.
3D Solar System
Take a tour of our solar system with a swipe of your finger, or tap the name of a planet to zoom through the void for a close-up view and an informative summary, which the app reads to you in a synthesized voice. It’s like going on an interplanetary junket with Stephen Hawking.
Biodigital Human
This fully rotatable 3D human model gets up close and personal with every anatomical system. It comes with a 14-day free trial of the fully interactive app, which lets you take quizzes, download hi-res images, view the app on other devices and more for $40 a year. But, remember, this app is for serious students of the physical form — no bones about it.
Brainpop Movies
Animated teen Tim and his robot pal Moby serve up free five-minute movies on topics ranging from asthma to Yo Yo Ma, with various stops in between and clever quizzes. It’s just a small sample of the entertaining and informative content you can find on Brainpop.com (subscription required).
Build with Chrome
Ever wish you could make a real building out of Legos? This may be as close as you’re likely to get. This app combines Google Maps with a virtual Lego kit, letting you construct colorful (if virtual) edifices anywhere in the world, and then share them with others via Google+.
Little Alchemy
Modern technology meets ancient alchemy. You start with the four basic elements and start creating. Drop fire onto water to make steam, add air to make a cloud and earth to create fog. Before long you’ll be building steam engines and space stations.
Math Mahjong
It’s Mahjong solitaire only with numbers instead of Chinese characters. Click or tap numbers in sequence to build a math equation that actually works. The more complex the equation, the more points you rack up. Trust me; it’s harder than it looks.
PBS Kids Play
Your rugrats can play games, watch videos and engage in dozens of educational activities with the help of Bob the Builder, Curious George and other PBS celebrities. A Parents Center lets you track their progress in more than 30 skill areas. The app provides a free 15-day guest pass; additional access costs $10 a month or $80 a year.
Reversi
The classic board game translates to Chrome with amazing ease. Flip the discs from white to black to win control of the board; you can play against the computer or a human opponent. The training you gain in strategy and logic are just a bonus.
Until AM
Until AM makes playing DJ as easy as dragging songs from your Google Drive or SoundCloud onto two virtual turntables, and then messing with the levels, speed, distortion, echo and other filters. Let’s get this party started.
Useful Periodic Table
Can’t tell magnesium (Mg) from manganese (Mn)? This table will help you keep all your elements in order. Click or tap on an element to learn more; take quizzes to test your knowledge.
Questions, complaints, kudos? Email Dan Tynan at ModFamily1@yahoo.com.
