Podcast Summary: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio)
Episode: iOS Today 742: STEM Apps for iOS
Hosts: Micah Sargent & Rosemary Orchard
Release Date: March 6, 2025
Overview
In Episode 742 of iOS Today, hosts Micah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard delve into the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) applications available on iOS devices. They explore a variety of apps that cater to different aspects of STEM education, offering insights into their functionalities, benefits, and suitability for learners of all ages. The episode provides listeners with comprehensive recommendations to enhance their learning experiences through engaging and interactive tools.
1. Skeleton 3D Anatomy
Timestamp: 02:14
Rosemary introduces Skeleton 3D Anatomy, highlighting it as an excellent tool for understanding human anatomy. She notes that while the app is free to download, unlocking its full potential requires an in-app purchase of approximately A$30. The app allows users to explore various bones and structures of the human body in detailed 3D models.
Rosemary Orchard (02:14): "If you just kind of want to figure out, like, what bones are where and... you can do a lot of learning on your devices."
Key Features:
- Interactive exploration of bones, including the cranium, mandible, and hyoid bone.
- Options to view different body areas such as the head, trunk, upper limbs, and lower limbs.
- Provides both English and Latin names for anatomical parts.
- Ideal for revision and foundational learning in biology or medical studies.
2. Swift Playgrounds
Timestamp: 05:19
Micah discusses Swift Playgrounds, an app developed by Apple to teach users the Swift programming language. Originally named Swift PlaygroundZ, the app has evolved to offer more comprehensive features, enabling users to create and publish their own apps directly from an iPad.
Micah Sargent (05:19): "Swift Playgrounds... teaches you how to use Swift in, you know, I would say a sort of elementary way of learning."
Key Features:
- User-friendly interface for beginners to start coding.
- Ability to create apps or books and transition projects to Xcode.
- Supports publishing apps without needing a Mac.
- Educational content includes machine learning and algorithm-based games like Battleship.
3. Khan Academy
Timestamp: 09:14
Rosemary endorses Khan Academy as a versatile learning platform that extends beyond STEM, encompassing subjects like economics, arts, humanities, and life skills. The app offers a vast array of tutorials and courses, all available for free.
Rosemary Orchard (09:14): "Khan Academy... does more than just STEM. It's also more than just an iPhone or an iPad app... you just can do a lot of learning on your devices."
Key Features:
- Comprehensive courses ranging from algebra to differential equations.
- Interactive videos with bookmarking and progress tracking.
- Partner content with institutions like NASA and California Academy of Sciences.
- Supports learning across multiple devices through account synchronization.
4. Brain Pop
Timestamp: 11:43
Micah reminisces about Brain Pop, an educational tool known for its engaging videos and interactive quizzes. Although nostalgic, he emphasizes its ongoing value in teaching various STEM concepts effectively.
Micah Sargent (11:43): "These videos I always found very engaging and fun... Brain Pop can be helpful for anybody who's trying to learn concepts in STEM."
Key Features:
- Educational videos on a wide range of topics, including physics, chemistry, and computer programming.
- Interactive quizzes to reinforce learning.
- Dynamic characters like robots and humans collaborating to solve problems.
- Free and accessible content tailored for different learning stages.
5. Enki
Timestamp: 15:09
Rosemary recommends Enki, a programming education app that offers lessons in multiple languages beyond Swift, such as Python, JavaScript, SQL, and CSS. The app employs a subscription model for premium content.
Rosemary Orchard (15:09): "Enki is a great app. It is free to download and then it's $7.99 a month for the learn mode."
Key Features:
- Diverse programming language support.
- Interactive lessons with a focus on practical coding skills.
- Subscription tiers offering extended learning modules.
- Encourages understanding the "why" behind coding problems.
6. Elements by Theodore Gray
Timestamp: 17:42
Rosemary draws parallels between Elements by Theodore Gray and traditional educational tools like the Dorling Kindersley Encyclopedia. The app centers around the periodic table, providing detailed information and interactive 3D models of elements.
Rosemary Orchard (17:42): "It's based around the periodic table of elements. So it has images of the different elements... there are stories with facts in there as well."
Key Features:
- Interactive periodic table with high-quality images and information.
- 3D models allowing users to visualize and manipulate element structures.
- Educational narratives and facts to deepen understanding.
- Enhances memorization and appreciation of chemical elements.
7. Froggypedia
Timestamp: 18:37
To facilitate biology education without the need for physical dissections, Rosemary introduces Froggypedia. This app provides an interactive exploration of a frog's life cycle, making it an excellent alternative for learners.
Rosemary Orchard (18:37): "Froggypedia is a great digital alternative... you can relive that life cycle."
Key Features:
- Detailed life cycle stages of a frog from tadpole to adult.
- Interactive elements for hands-on learning.
- One-time purchase of $3.99.
- Accessible on both iPad and iPhone platforms.
8. Labo by Thix (Beaker App)
Timestamp: 21:17
Rosemary highlights Labo by Thix, specifically the Beaker app, which simulates chemistry experiments in a safe, digital environment. This app allows users to experiment with 150 different chemicals without the risks associated with real lab work.
Rosemary Orchard (21:17): "Beaker will let you do it digitally. So you can play with 150 different chemicals in a virtual app on your iPhone or your iPad."
Key Features:
- Virtual chemistry lab with a wide range of chemicals.
- Interactive experiments including heating and mixing substances.
- Integration of device movements to simulate real-life actions.
- Part of a broader app bundle offering diverse scientific explorations.
Shortcuts Corner: Automating NordVPN Notifications
Timestamp: 24:47
In the Shortcuts Corner segment, listener Chris seeks assistance in creating a shortcut that triggers a notification when launching NordVPN. This is to prevent unintended VPN connections that disrupt work-related applications.
Chris (24:47): "I would like to create a shortcut or an automation that triggers a notification as soon as I launch NordVPN."
Rosemary offers a step-by-step solution, suggesting the creation of a custom shortcut that displays a reminder to quit specific work apps before launching NordVPN. She also recommends using the app Shortery for more advanced automation, allowing conditional checks on app statuses before initiating VPN connections.
Rosemary Orchard (26:28): "Shortery... can help solve the problem with all of that. It also has the option to trigger shortcuts automatically and various other things."
Key Takeaways:
- Custom shortcuts can enhance workflow by automating reminders.
- Applications like Shortery provide advanced automation capabilities on macOS.
- Automating VPN connections can prevent security alerts and workflow disruptions.
Conclusion
Hosts Micah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard conclude the episode by encouraging listeners to explore the featured STEM apps to enhance their learning and productivity. They emphasize the importance of leveraging technology to support education and personal development in the STEM fields. Additionally, they invite listeners to share their favorite STEM apps and engage with the iOS Today community for further discussions and recommendations.
Connect with the Hosts
- Rosemary Orchard: Visit rosemaryorchard.com for links to her apps, books, podcasts, and social media.
- Micah Sargent: Follow @ikasargent on social media or visit Chihuahua Coffee for more on his work and other shows.
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This summary is intended for informational purposes and reflects the content discussed in Episode 742 of iOS Today. For the full experience, listeners are encouraged to tune into the episode directly.