This article was updated on May 24, 2024.
Why should teachers integrate augmented reality (AR) apps and sites into their lesson plans? With manipulative 3D images, augmented reality apps and sites inject a wow factor into any subject, increasing children's engagement and enthusiasm for learning. Additionally, recent research suggests that AR can foster greater empathy on users. Many of these immersive technology apps and sites are free or inexpensive.
For more information on how to use augmented reality tools in your classroom, see What is augmented reality? and Tools and apps to bring augmented reality to your classroom before diving into the top augmented reality tools below.
The best applications and sites for augmented reality
AR apps for iOS and Android
My very hungry caterpillar
Based on Eric Carle The very hungry caterpillar book, the My Very Hungry Caterpillar app is ideal for fostering a love of nature and nurturing in children up to five years old. Users feed and care for the virtual caterpillar, allowing it to eventually transform into a butterfly. Along the way, they grow flowers, paint pictures, and search for buried treasure. This is a gem. iOS Android
Rakugaki AR
An award-winning app that animates scanned drawings and doodles, bringing characters to life. Users can then interact with their creations through virtual activities such as playing and feeding. For only $0.99, create your own virtual reality. Look at this short video to see how it works. iOS Android
solAR – Solar System in AR
An impressive AR app that allows users to zoom in on elements of the solar system to investigate and learn. The app uses your device's camera to overlay digital planets and moons on Earth-based scenes, adjust the scale, and explore all the features. Free with in-app purchases. iOS Android
EDU Assembler
This 3D and AR imaging platform allows students to explore, produce, edit and annotate 3D and augmented reality creations, which can then be shared with teachers and classmates. Pre-designed content and drag-and-drop controls make it easy for users to get hooked right away. Free basic plan plus three paid tiers offers a price for every budget iOS Android
3DBear AR
This super creative AR design app offers lesson plans, challenges, 3D models, social sharing, and 3D printing capabilities. The 3DBear website offers video tutorials, lesson plans, and distance learning resources for educators. Ideal for PBL, design and computational thinking. Free and paid plans, with a 30-day free trial. iOS Android
Quiver – 3D Coloring App
Quiver turns a special coloring book into a 3D augmented reality experience. Users print blank AR-enabled coloring sheets through the app or website and then color each one with crayons, colored pencils, or oil pastels. Activate the Quiver app to bring your pages to life. Free app, free and paid coloring packs. iOS Android
SkyView Explore the Universe
SkyView Explore the Universe, one of the most popular AR astronomy apps, makes it easy to identify galaxies, stars, constellations, planets, and satellites in the night sky, while AR mode allows users to detect objects day or night. Ideal for remote locations, as no WiFi, data signal or GPS is required. Try the Time Travel setting to see the sky from ancient and future times. $1.99. iOS Android From the same developer, the similar SkyView Lite is free.
Augmented reality apps for iOS
Increase
A simple app to view 3D AR models. Users upload their own 3D models and can manipulate each one in various ways with the app. Augment works well for design-related topics and presentations; There are resources available to get students and teachers started. Free.
ranagipedia
An impressive AR anatomy app that covers every phase of a frog's life, from a single-celled egg to an adult frog. Dissect and examine the AR frog's realistic internal organs using a finger or Apple Pencil with this 2018 iPad app. $3.99
sky guide
Winner of the 2014 Apple Design Award, Sky Guide allows users to instantly locate stars, planets, satellites, and other celestial objects in the present, past, or future. Augmented Reality mode makes it easy to view and identify constellations. Works with or without WiFi, cellular service or GPS. $2.99
Wonderscope
This highly engaging interactive story app puts children at the center of the unfolding action, allowing them to move, become part of the story and explore details by touching objects. Free for the first story; additional stories are $4.99 each
East of the Rocky Mountains
A beautiful story app from the National Film Board of Canada. Written by acclaimed author Joy Kogawa, this interactive story follows the journey of a Japanese-Canadian family interned during World War II. Free guide for teachers in English and French. $3.99
AR Websites
McGraw Hill AR online
Explore topics ranging from V8 engines to exponential growth and glacier characteristics in this excellent collection of interactive 3D augmented reality animations. Each interactive begins with an overview of the topic and then gives users the opportunity to manipulate objects and activate functions. Take the quiz after each exercise to demonstrate understanding. Free, no account required.
Educational CoSpaces
A complete 3D, coding and AR/VR platform for education, CoSpaces Edu provides online tools for teachers and students to create and explore their own augmented worlds. Features include lesson plans and an extensive gallery of CoSpaces created by teachers, students, and the CoSpacesEdu team. The RA requires iOS either Android Device and free application. Free basic plan for up to 29 students.
realistic
A standards-aligned K-12 science curriculum with sophisticated and amazing lesson plans and interactive 3D models. Integrates with Google Drive, Google Classroom, and Microsoft Teams for easy sharing and saving. Prices start at $8 per student per year. 14-day free trial with premium content.
