Best Science Apps for 6th Grade (2026)
Interactive science apps to help 6th graders explore earth science, life science, and physical science.
Our top picks
- 1. BrainPOP- Best overall
- 2. Newsela- Best for current science news
- 3. IXL- Best adaptive practice
- 4. Epic!- Best science reading library
- 5. Education.com- Best worksheets & printables
- 6. Khan Academy Kids- Best free option
Newsela
Best for current science newsNewsela adapts real news articles to 5 different reading levels, making current events accessible to students grades 2-12.
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
IXL
Best adaptive practiceIXL is a comprehensive adaptive learning platform covering all subjects from Pre-K through 12th grade.
Pros
- Comprehensive K-12 coverage
- Adaptive learning
- Detailed analytics
Cons
- Expensive
- Spelling is small part of ELA
Epic!
Best science reading libraryEpic! provides access to a library of 40,000+ children's books, audiobooks, and educational videos. $84.99/year or $13.99/month.
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
Education.com
Best worksheets & printablesEducation.com offers thousands of worksheets, printables, and learning activities for Pre-K through 8th grade.
Pros
- Huge worksheet library
- Printable resources
- Good for homeschool
Cons
- Web only
- Expensive
Khan Academy Kids
Best free optionKhan Academy Kids offers free, comprehensive early learning content covering reading, math, and more for children ages 2-8.
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 6th graders?
Khan Academy Kids is completely free and covers foundational science topics. For older students, Khan Academy (the main platform) offers comprehensive 6th grade science courses at no cost.
Are science apps effective for middle school learning?
Yes. Research shows that interactive science apps improve engagement and retention. Apps like BrainPOP use animated videos and quizzes to reinforce concepts, which complements classroom instruction effectively.
Can these science apps be used in the classroom?
Most of these apps offer classroom and school plans. BrainPOP, Newsela, and IXL all provide teacher dashboards, assignment tools, and progress tracking designed for school use.
Which science app covers the most 6th grade topics?
BrainPOP and IXL offer the broadest coverage of 6th grade science standards, including earth science, life science, and physical science. BrainPOP excels at concept introduction through videos, while IXL focuses on skill practice.
Our Verdict
BrainPOP is the best overall science app for 6th graders, with engaging animated videos that make complex topics accessible and memorable.
For schools on a budget, Khan Academy offers comprehensive science content completely free, while Newsela keeps students engaged with real-world science news at adjustable reading levels.
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.