Beaker is a free Chemistry App available on Android and Apple devices. The app itself is free, but there are in app purchases that some people might like. For students, in app purchases can be a little worrisome.

PROS

• A cheaper alternative to actually experimentation
• Can lower student anxiety if used as a pre-lab, because students will already have expectations as to what will happen
• Can spark a great intrest and passion in students. They might learn to LOVE chemistry!

CONS

• The app itself is very user friendly, but some previous chemistry knowledge is definitely required.
• When explosive Chemicals mix, there is an explosion, which could encourage students to want to try these reactions at home. Safety is a concern as there isn’t at lot of lab safety in app, which could potentially downplay how dangerous mixing volatile chemicals can be!

Use in the Classroom

As this is a free app, I would definitely be willing to give students a chance to play with it before doing the actual lab. I don’t this it is a replacement for a real beaker, but it is definitely a great additional tool.