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Best Science Apps for 3rd-5th Grade (2026)

Interactive science apps that turn lessons into explorations for upper elementary students.

SJ
SpellingJoy Team
•Last Updated: March 30, 2026
Child exploring science with a magnifying glass

Our Top Picks:

1

BrainPOP

BrainPOP uses animated videos to teach concepts across all subjects for K-8 students.

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Best for - Animated science videos with quizzes for grades 3-8
Price - $119-159/yr
Grades - K-8
Platforms - Web

Pros

  • ✓ Engaging animated videos
  • ✓ Covers all subjects
  • ✓ Quiz assessments

Cons

  • ✗ Expensive
  • ✗ Not spelling-specific
2

Epic!

Epic! provides access to a library of 40,000+ children's books, audiobooks, and educational videos. $84.99/year or $13.99/month.

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Best for - Thousands of science books and videos for curious readers
Price - $84.99/yr
Grades - Pre-K-6 (Ages 2-12)
Platforms - iOS, Android, Web, Apple TV

Pros

  • ✓ 40,000+ books from quality publishers
  • ✓ Read-To-Me and audiobooks
  • ✓ Offline reading available

Cons

  • ✗ Free tier very limited (1 book/day)
  • ✗ Price increased recently
  • ✗ Not spelling-focused
3

IXL

IXL is a comprehensive adaptive learning platform covering all subjects from Pre-K through 12th grade.

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Best for - Standards-aligned science skills with personalized feedback
Price - $79-159/yr
Grades - Pre-K-12
Platforms - Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • ✓ Comprehensive K-12 coverage
  • ✓ Adaptive learning
  • ✓ Detailed analytics

Cons

  • ✗ Expensive
  • ✗ Spelling is small part of ELA
4

Newsela

Newsela adapts real news articles to 5 different reading levels, making current events accessible to students grades 2-12.

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Best for - Real-world science articles at adjustable reading levels
Price - School pricing
Grades - Grades 2-12
Platforms - Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • ✓ Real news at 5 reading levels
  • ✓ Current events keep kids engaged
  • ✓ Built-in comprehension quizzes

Cons

  • ✗ Primarily for schools
  • ✗ Not for early readers
  • ✗ Subscription required
5

Education.com

Education.com offers thousands of worksheets, printables, and learning activities for Pre-K through 8th grade.

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Best for - Printable science worksheets and hands-on activities
Price - $120/yr
Grades - Pre-K-8
Platforms - Web

Pros

  • ✓ Huge worksheet library
  • ✓ Printable resources
  • ✓ Good for homeschool

Cons

  • ✗ Web only
  • ✗ Expensive
6

Khan Academy Kids

Khan Academy Kids offers free, comprehensive early learning content covering reading, math, and more for children ages 2-8.

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Best for - Free interactive science lessons for younger learners
Price - Free
Grades - Ages 2-8
Platforms - iOS, Android, Amazon

Pros

  • ✓ Completely free
  • ✓ Comprehensive curriculum
  • ✓ No ads

Cons

  • ✗ Only goes to age 8
  • ✗ Not specialized for spelling
  • ✗ No web version

Frequently Asked Questions

Khan Academy Kids is completely free with no ads or subscriptions. It covers foundational science concepts through interactive lessons, though it targets ages 2-8. For older elementary students, BrainPOP offers limited free content and Newsela provides free access through many schools.

Our Verdict

BrainPOP is the best overall science app for 3rd-5th graders, with animated videos and quizzes that make complex topics accessible and fun.

For a free option, Khan Academy Kids covers science fundamentals at no cost. Pair it with Newsela for real-world science reading at every level.

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About the Author

SpellingJoy Team

The SpellingJoy team is dedicated to creating free, high-quality spelling resources for K-6 students and their families. We test every app we review and provide honest assessments to help parents make informed decisions.

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