Math and the sciences can be quite difficult courses to take on. This is particularly true for those who are handling multiple AP courses simultaneously. The rigor of the courses, the amount of homework, and the breadth of the material all make staying on top of tests and homework assignments quite an undertaking, and all of this doesn’t even take into account studying for the AP’s. While tutoring is a great option to connect all the dots, self-help practices are always a great option to utilize. Here is a list of amazing apps for those taking math or science courses, or merely studying for standardized tests:
- Knowvio LLC puts out an incredible line of apps that follow the naming structure of [Course Name] X (e.g. Physics X). These apps are absolutely fantastic. They include a table-of-contents-style interface that allows you to hone in on exactly the material you want to study. Each section includes video tutorials on the concepts for you to watch, a formula sheet with that outlines each formula discussed in those sections, and a scratch pad tab that allows you to write over any page you are currently looking at. Check them out with the links below!
- Photomath, Inc. offers an app by the same name, Photomath, which does what it would sound like. It solves math problems by taking a photo of the problem. In real-time, the app detects the text you’re looking at and does a fairly decent job of converting it to a math problem in the app. It will then solve the problem step-by-step, giving you the ability to learn how to solve problems on-the-fly. This is also great for the students who just don’t have the time for a tutoring session. It will not replace the amount of help you can get from a tutor, but it will be a lifesaver for those few times where you just need to know how to do a problem immediately! Check it out from the link below!
- Desmos has a graphing calculator by the same name, Desmos, that is really amazing if you’ve left your TI-83/84 or nSpire at home or have somehow lost it in the moment. This will allow your phone to take on the roll of your graphing calculator. You can plot multiple functions, and even find intersections. You can graph in multiple modes, and even set up constant in front of variables that include an associated slider. This means the equation y=Asin(Bx+C)+D can be quickly changed to y=-3sin(2x)+1 or y=2sin(-3x)-4 without having to type in a new formula. Simply drag the slider for the constants A, B, C, and D to various values and watch how the graph changes in real-time! This really helps give an intuitive understanding of how various functions work. Check it out with the link below!
- Quick Learning LLC offers a great app for those who want a periodic table with them wherever they are without having to google search or open their books each time. Lewis dot structures are provided, as well as other information about the element. Color coding is done by valence orbital type (e.g. s, p, d, and f) and the wiki page for each element is available within the app too. This a great free app for any chemistry student. There are other paid apps that have astounding capabilities, like writing chemical equations and finding molar masses, but they aren’t free. If you’re in chemistry, grab this one with the link below!
