Is this app basically just a textbook?

Pretty much, but with interactive quizzes. It's more of a 'study companion' than a game. If your kid likes the structure of a textbook but wants it in a portable, searchable format, this is it.

Does it really work without Wi-Fi?

Yes. One of its best features is that the content is bundled into the app. Once it's downloaded, you can go into airplane mode and still access every lesson and quiz.

Is the chemistry too advanced for a 12-year-old?

Probably. While a science-loving middle schooler might enjoy the atomic structure sections, the stoichiometry and gas laws require a solid handle on algebra that most 7th graders haven't mastered yet.

Are there any hidden costs or 'Pro' versions?

Based on the 2025 release specs, it's a straightforward download. Since it's designed for offline use, it avoids the typical 'pay-to-unlock' or subscription models found in cloud-based learning apps.

Chemistry 101 – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Chemistry 101

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

app2025

82%

WISE Score

A no-nonsense pocket tutor for the high schooler who needs to master stoichiometry without the distractions of the open web.

Chemistry 101

app

Everyone, 2025

82%

WISE Score

A no-nonsense pocket tutor for the high schooler who needs to master stoichiometry without the distractions of the open web.

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Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

Chemistry 101 is a refreshingly straightforward educational tool. In an era where every 'learning' app is trying to be a dopamine-fueled slot machine, this one just wants to teach you how to balance a chemical equation. Its biggest selling point is the offline access—you can hand this to a student on a plane or in a dead zone, and they have a full chemistry curriculum at their fingertips.

It isn't 'fun' in the sense that a video game is fun, but it is deeply satisfying for the student who actually wants to understand the material. It cuts out the noise and focuses on the mechanics of the science. If your kid is struggling with the abstract nature of atomic behavior, the step-by-step breakdowns here are a legitimate sanity saver.

Age Fit

Best for ages 14 and up. It's specifically tailored for General Chemistry I, which is high school or early college level. A middle schooler might use it for reference, but the math will likely be over their head.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Purely academic and focused on mastery. There's no fluff, no toxic social elements, and no chaotic pacing. It's a calm, structured learning environment.

Imaginative

This is a digital textbook and practice suite, not a sandbox. It teaches you the rules of the universe but doesn't really let you 'play' with them in a creative way.

Safe

The 'Complete Offline Access' feature is a massive win. No internet required means no ads, no trackers, and no surprise 'global chat' features that plague other free learning apps.

Enriching

It covers the heavy hitters of Gen Chem I: stoichiometry, gas laws, and equilibrium. For a high schooler or college freshman, this is high-density academic value.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Offline by design, which is the gold standard for distraction-free studying and data privacy.
Step-by-step math breakdowns for topics like mole calculations that usually leave kids staring blankly at a whiteboard.
Comprehensive scope that actually mirrors a real General Chemistry I syllabus rather than just being a collection of trivia.
Interactive practice with MCQs and reaction balancing that provides immediate feedback during study sessions.

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What to Watch For

It is Android-only for now, so iOS families are out of luck.
The language is beginner-friendly but high-level, meaning it's aimed at 14+; younger kids will likely find the vocabulary impenetrable.
It's a utility, not a game, so don't expect 'gamified' rewards or flashy animations to keep a reluctant learner engaged.

Conversation Starters

"Which part of balancing equations feels like a puzzle and which part feels like a chore?"
"If you could create a new element for the periodic table, what would its properties be?"
"How does understanding gas laws change how you think about everyday things like car tires or spray cans?"
"Do you find the step-by-step explanations in the app clearer than your current textbook?"

Deep Dive

The Pocket Tutor Move

Chemistry is often the 'wall' that students hit in high school science. It’s the transition from the descriptive science of biology to the heavy mathematical modeling of physics. Chemistry 101 (the 2025 app version) positions itself right at that friction point. Unlike the historical video series of the same name which focuses on the 'who and why' of science, this app is all about the 'how.'

Why Offline Matters

We talk a lot about 'distraction-free' environments, but this app actually enforces it. By allowing full access to the periodic table, stoichiometry calculators, and practice quizzes without a Wi-Fi connection, it removes the temptation to 'just check one thing' on YouTube or TikTok. For a student with ADHD or anyone prone to the 'digital rabbit hole,' this is a massive feature. It turns the tablet into a single-purpose tool.

Content Depth

The app doesn't shy away from the hard stuff. You're getting oxidation-reduction reactions and chemical equilibrium—topics that usually require a heavy textbook and a lot of highlighter ink. The MCQ (Multiple Choice Question) format is standard, but the real value is in the formula-solving challenges. It’s essentially a digital workbook that doesn't require a backpack. If you're looking for something that makes chemistry 'cool' with explosions and 3D graphics, look elsewhere. But if you want a tool that helps a kid actually pass their midterms, this is a solid pick.

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