This well-written and designed site provides science-related articles written specifically for middle and high school students. STEM topics covered include genetics, the environment, innovations and space. Each story is approximately one to two pages in length, followed by a readability score for parents and teachers who want to assign articles appropriately. Key vocabulary, or power words, are written in italics and the definitions of those words can be found at the end of the article. Articles on related topics are shown on the sidebar for students interested in learning more. The site is kept very current with articles on new and emerging research across STEM fields, ideas for research or science fair projects, updates on science competitions, and weekly features including "Scientists Say" which provides an audio version of an article so students can be comfortable pronouncing terms as well as understanding them. Overall, an excellent option for teachers who want to assign science reading as well as a great choice for students truly interested in science who want the opportunity to read and learn.

• Provides sufficient and varied types of practice problems to maximize understanding and generalization of the targeted skill/concept
• Manufacturer claims alignment with Common Core/Known Standards
• Presents educational concepts accurately
• Explains answers so students can learn from mistakes
• Better for teaching the skill to new or struggling learners
• Better for practicing or refreshing the skill
• Skills are practiced through authentic, meaningful problems (not just rote practice)

• Appropriate for a broad age range to use and enjoy
• Subject matter and problems are relevant, interesting and authentic to students
• Visually appealing to children in the target age range
• Provides virtual rewards or incentives after meeting specified goals or objectives
• Provides a "break activity" between academic problem sets
• Offers ongoing, progressive challenge
• Overall - Enjoyable. Given the option, students would choose this option

• Has a free or trial version
• Provides teaching guidance for adults to support the child and set appropriate goals
• Provides an age-appropriate tutorial/first time users can work independently
• Student should be able to use independently after first use
• Has a multi-player option to foster in-person collaboration or cooperation
• Multiple users can save a profile
• Student graduates to the next level or topic only after meeting a benchmark
• Can play without sound and not distract others
• Students can save work between sessions
• Can effectively understand and monitor student's progress (email report or in product)
• Requires registration before using the first time
• Provides options to play in languages other than English/Good for ELL
• Presents information in multiple formats (voice over, pictures and text, etc.)
• Overall - Easy to use

• Abstract Reasoning
• Students might need support with navigation
• Attention
• Age inappropriate amount of work which could overwhelm or discourage students
• Includes long written questions or text that students must be able to read on their own
• General Information
• Assumes specific knowledge or vocabulary without "look-up" options
• Reading Basics
• Includes long written questions or text that students must be able to read on their own
• Reading Comprehension
• Includes long written questions or text that students must be able to read on their own
• Reading Fluency
• Includes long written questions or text that students must be able to read on their own
• Verbal Reasoning
• Assumes specific knowledge or vocabulary without "look-up" options
• Includes long written questions or text that students must be able to read on their own