My Molecularium
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that My Molecularium is a science game that teaches kids how to build molecules using chemical formulas. Kids choose, swipe, and aim atoms one at a time to a target "starting atom" that allows them to build a complete molecule. Hitting the correct place on the target atom can be a bit tricky, so some kids might focus more on this than the actual learning experience. There are ungated in-app purchases, so be sure to discuss this with kids. Read the app's privacy policy to find out about the types of information collected and shared.
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What's it about?
Kids start MY MOLECULARIUM with a brief tutorial, and then the game automatically moves through each molecule within a level. A chemical formula for a molecule is provided, and kids spin a wheel to choose the atoms that make up the molecule. They drag and release the atom to shoot it at a target, building the molecule one atom at a time. Kids tilt their device to aim at the correct location on the target. There's an option for kids to take screenshots of their molecules. Overall, the game is pretty straightforward. However, some features are confusing. There's a temperature reading at the top of the screen that rises as kids build a molecule, and there are power-ups that kids can purchase, but these features aren't mentioned in the tutorial.
Is it any good?
Kids get a lot of practice building molecules, and they’ll learn important facts related to chemistry, but the glitchy target shooting is distracting. My Molecularium does help kids make the connection between chemical formulas and 3D molecular structure and creates an engaging platform for learning. Improving the method for shooting targets, explaining all of the available features, and gating the purchases would improve the learning experience.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about some of the challenges of shooting molecules at the target in My Molecularium. Work together to practice and make sure kids stay more focused on the learning content than the gaming aspect.
Talk about the different molecules and their importance. Have kids choose a few molecules to further research.
Build 3D models of some of the molecules together. Use simple materials like toothpicks and different colored balls of clay.
App details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
- Subjects: Science: chemistry, substance properties
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: applying information, part-whole relationships
- Pricing structure: Paid, Free (Optional in-app purchase.)
- Release date: October 16, 2017
- Category: Education
- Size: 179.00 MB
- Publisher: Rensselear Polytechnic Institute
- Version: 1.0
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 7.0 or later; Android 4.1 and up
- Last updated: March 22, 2018
For kids who love science and free educational games
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