iOS 742: STEM Apps for iOS - Swift Playground, BrainPOP, Lab O

Update: 2025-03-06

Digest

This podcast episode focuses on educational STEM apps available on iOS devices. The hosts review several apps, starting with "Skeleton 3D Anatomy" for learning human anatomy and Swift Playgrounds for learning Swift coding. They then discuss Khan Academy's extensive resources and BrainPop's engaging video lessons. Further app recommendations include Enki (programming languages), Elements (periodic table), Froggypedia (frog life cycles), and the Lab O app bundle for virtual science experiments. The episode concludes with a discussion on the value of STEM learning apps and a listener question about creating shortcuts to manage work apps before connecting to a VPN, with solutions provided using the Shortcuts app and the more advanced Shorty app.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction to iOS STEM Learning Apps

The podcast introduces its focus on diverse STEM learning apps available on Apple's iOS ecosystem.

00:02:10

Anatomy, Coding, and App Building

Reviews "Skeleton 3D Anatomy" and Swift Playgrounds, highlighting their features and educational value, including the latter's updated UI and app-building capabilities.

00:09:13

Comprehensive STEM Learning Resources

Covers Khan Academy's broad STEM content and BrainPop's engaging video-based learning approach.

00:15:14

Additional App Recommendations and Shortcut Automation

Provides further app recommendations (Enki, Elements, Froggypedia, Lab O) and addresses a listener question about creating shortcuts to manage work apps before VPN connection, offering solutions using Shortcuts and Shorty apps.

Keywords

STEM Apps

Mobile applications for learning Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Swift Playgrounds

Apple's app for learning Swift programming and building apps.

Khan Academy

Free online platform with extensive STEM courses and tutorials.

Anatomy 3D Atlas

Interactive 3D app for exploring human anatomy.

iOS Educational Apps

A range of apps designed for STEM education on Apple devices.

BrainPop

Educational videos and quizzes on STEM topics.

Shortcuts (Automation)

Apple's automation tool for creating custom workflows.

Shorty (Mac Automation)

Mac app enhancing Apple Shortcuts for advanced app management.

Enki App

App for learning various programming languages.

Elements App

App for exploring the periodic table.

Q&A

What are some good iOS apps for learning STEM subjects?
The podcast highlights several, including Swift Playgrounds for coding, Khan Academy for broad STEM learning, BrainPop for engaging video lessons, and specialized apps like "Skeleton 3D Anatomy" and "Elements."
How can I use Shortcuts to manage work apps before connecting to a VPN?
The podcast explains how to create a shortcut to remind you to quit work apps before connecting to your VPN, offering both basic and advanced solutions using the Shortcuts and Shorty apps.
What apps are good for learning human anatomy on iOS?
"Skeleton 3D Anatomy" is reviewed as a free (with in-app purchases) option for interactive exploration of the skeletal system.
What are some good resources for learning coding on an iPad?
Swift Playgrounds is recommended for learning Swift, while Enki offers tutorials in other programming languages.

Show Notes

Head into the world of educational technology with Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard as they explore cutting-edge iOS apps that make learning science, technology, engineering, and mathematics engaging and interactive. From virtual anatomy lessons to coding playgrounds, these apps transform your device into a powerful learning tool.

Skeleton 3D Anatomy: A free app for exploring human anatomy in 3D, allowing users to tap and learn about different bones, their Latin names, and skeletal structures. Perfect for students, medical enthusiasts, or anyone curious about the human body.

Swift Playground: Apple's coding education app that helps users learn Swift programming. Recent updates include the ability to create and publish entire apps directly from an iPad, making coding more accessible than ever.

Khan Academy: A comprehensive learning platform offering free courses in mathematics, sciences, computing, and more. Features include partner content from NASA and the California Academy of Sciences, with the ability to track progress across devices.

BrainPOP: An educational video platform featuring engaging content about scientific concepts, historical figures, and educational quizzes. Known for its animated robots and human characters that explain complex topics in an approachable manner.

Enki: A coding learning app supporting multiple programming languages like Python, JavaScript, SQL, and CSS. Offers flexible subscription options for those wanting to expand their programming skills.

The Elements by Theodore Gray: An interactive periodic table app with beautiful images, 3D representations, and fascinating stories about chemical elements.

Froggipedia: A $3.99 iPad/iPhone app that provides a digital alternative to traditional frog dissection, teaching the amphibian life cycle through interactive experiences.

Lab O Bundle: A collection of science apps including Beaker, Space, Chemist, and more.

Shortcuts Corner

VPN App Notification Shortcut: A listener seeks a way to create a notification/automation that reminds him to close work-related apps before launching NordVPN to avoid false security alerts.

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

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