1
BrainPOP
Best overallBest for:Animated science videos with quizzes for grades 3-8Price:$119-159/yrGrades:K-8Platforms:Web
Pros
- Engaging animated videos
- Covers all subjects
- Quiz assessments
Cons
- Expensive
- Not spelling-specific
Best Science Apps for 3rd-5th Grade (2026)
Interactive science apps that turn lessons into explorations for upper elementary students.
STSpellingJoy Team
•Last Updated: March 30, 2026
Our top picks
- 1. BrainPOP- Best overall
- 2. Epic!- Best science library
- 3. IXL- Best adaptive practice
- 4. Newsela- Best current events
- 5. Education.com- Best worksheets
- 6. Khan Academy Kids- Best free
2
Epic!
Best science libraryEpic! provides access to a library of 40,000+ children's books, audiobooks, and educational videos. $84.99/year or $13.99/month.
Best for:Thousands of science books and videos for curious readersPrice:$84.99/yrGrades: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
Best adaptive practiceIXL is a comprehensive adaptive learning platform covering all subjects from Pre-K through 12th grade.
Best for:Standards-aligned science skills with personalized feedbackPrice:$79-159/yrGrades:Pre-K-12Platforms:Web, iOS, Android
Pros
- Comprehensive K-12 coverage
- Adaptive learning
- Detailed analytics
Cons
- Expensive
- Spelling is small part of ELA
4
Newsela
Best current eventsNewsela adapts real news articles to 5 different reading levels, making current events accessible to students grades 2-12.
Best for:Real-world science articles at adjustable reading levelsPrice:School pricingGrades:Grades 2-12Platforms: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
Best worksheetsEducation.com offers thousands of worksheets, printables, and learning activities for Pre-K through 8th grade.
Best for:Printable science worksheets and hands-on activitiesPrice:$120/yrGrades:Pre-K-8Platforms:Web
Pros
- Huge worksheet library
- Printable resources
- Good for homeschool
Cons
- Web only
- Expensive
6
Khan Academy Kids
Best freeKhan Academy Kids offers free, comprehensive early learning content covering reading, math, and more for children ages 2-8.
Best for:Free interactive science lessons for younger learnersPrice:FreeGrades:Ages 2-8Platforms: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
What is the best free science app for elementary students?
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.
Are science apps effective for 3rd-5th graders?
Yes. Research shows that interactive science apps improve engagement and retention compared to textbooks alone. Apps like BrainPOP use animated videos and quizzes that reinforce concepts, while platforms like IXL adapt difficulty to each student, keeping them in their learning zone.
Can these apps replace a science textbook?
These apps work best as supplements, not replacements. BrainPOP and IXL align with state standards and can reinforce classroom lessons. Newsela brings real-world science into learning. Used alongside hands-on experiments and classroom instruction, they deepen understanding significantly.
Which science app has the best parent and teacher reporting?
IXL offers the most detailed analytics with skill-level progress tracking and diagnostic reports. BrainPOP provides quiz results and usage data for teachers. Newsela includes built-in comprehension assessments that teachers can monitor through their dashboard.
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.
ST
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.