Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

This is the real deal—actual NASA content without corporate middlemen, ads, or manipulation. It's not trying to be flashy or gamified, which means it won't hook every kid, but for the space-curious, it's gold.

The AR features are legitimately cool, and the ability to track the ISS overhead turns abstract space concepts into "holy crap, there are people up there RIGHT NOW" moments. The image library is stunning, and NASA+ gives you front-row seats to actual space missions.

The catch? It's a lot. Like, a LOT. Common Sense Education nailed it: tons of incredible information but not much hand-holding. Younger kids will need you to curate the experience, and even older kids might bounce off if they're not already space-interested. This isn't Kerbal Space Program or a space documentary with narrative drive—it's a reference tool and content library.

Perfect for: kids doing space units at school, budding astronauts, science fair projects, or families who want to follow real missions together. Less perfect for: casual browsing or kids who need more structure and entertainment value baked in.

Age Fit

Best for ages 7-16, though the sweet spot is 9-14 when kids have enough science background to appreciate the content but are still building their STEM identity. Younger kids can enjoy the images and AR features with guidance, but much of the text-heavy content requires reading comprehension and scientific literacy.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

92

Official NASA app with educational content about space exploration, astronauts, and science. No inappropriate content, models scientific curiosity and achievement. Content is inspiring and positive throughout.

Imaginative

88

Augmented reality features let kids explore rovers and rockets up close, ISS tracking creates real-world connection to space, vast image library sparks wonder about the universe. Encourages exploration and curiosity about space science, though it's more consumptive than creative.

Safe

95

Official government app with no ads, no in-app purchases, no social features or user-generated content. Kids mode available. Content is vetted NASA material - educational videos, images, and information with no concerning content.

Enriching

90

Direct access to real NASA missions, podcasts with actual astronauts and scientists, current updates on Artemis and James Webb telescope. Builds scientific literacy and inspires STEM interest. However, Common Sense Education notes the overwhelming amount of information may need parental guidance for younger kids.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Free access to NASA+ streaming with live mission coverage and original series—it's like having Mission Control in your living room
AR features let kids see rovers and rockets in their own space, making abstract concepts tangible
ISS flyover alerts turn space exploration into a real-world scavenger hunt you can do from your backyard
Podcasts with actual astronauts and scientists provide authentic STEM role models
21,000+ images that auto-update as wallpaper means daily doses of cosmic wonder

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What to Watch For

The sheer volume of content can be overwhelming—younger kids will need help navigating to age-appropriate sections
Some technical mission information and scientific content will fly over younger heads (pun intended)
Kids without existing space interest may find it dry; this isn't gamified edutainment
Best as a supplement to school units or existing curiosity, not as standalone entertainment

Conversation Starters

"Want to set an alert for when the space station flies over our house tonight?"
"Which planet or moon would you most want to visit if you could?"
"What do you think astronauts miss most about Earth when they're in space?"
"If you could ask a NASA scientist one question, what would it be?"
"Let's pick a mission to follow together—Artemis or James Webb telescope?"

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