Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

This is what educational apps should be: no-nonsense, genuinely free, and built by someone who actually cares about kids who struggle.

The developer's backstory matters here—a New Zealand science teacher frustrated by how schools fail Indigenous, neurodivergent, and struggling students decided to do something about it. The result is a straightforward biology app that teaches photosynthesis through gaming mechanics, with zero monetization because 'education is a human right.'

Is it going to compete with Fortnite for your kid's attention? No. It's essentially gamified lessons with quizzes. But if your middle or high schooler is drowning in biology and needs a different way in, this is a solid, safe tool that respects both their time and their data. The narrow focus (just photosynthesis) means it won't provide months of engagement, but that's not the point—it's meant to help kids grasp one specific concept and move on.

The real standout is the ethics: truly free, no dark patterns, built with equity in mind. That alone makes it worth recommending to families with kids who need extra support.

Age Fit

Best for ages 11-16 who are actually taking biology and need help with photosynthesis concepts. Younger kids won't have the context, and older teens will have already moved past this topic. It's a targeted tool, not broad entertainment.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

92

Created explicitly to provide equitable education access for struggling students, including Indigenous, neurodivergent, and mental health-challenged learners. The developer's commitment to making education a human right—with zero ads or in-app purchases—models genuine care and inclusivity. The tone is supportive and mission-driven.

Imaginative

68

Teaches photosynthesis through gaming mechanics, which shows some creative approach to making dry biology content more engaging. However, based on the description and comparison to similar apps, it appears to be primarily quiz-based lessons with illustrated content rather than open-ended exploration or creative building. It's educational gamification rather than truly imaginative play.

Safe

98

Explicitly states no ads or in-app purchases, which eliminates the primary manipulation vectors in mobile apps. Content is strictly curriculum-focused biology with no inappropriate themes. The developer's educational mission and commitment to free access suggests privacy-respecting practices. No social features or user-generated content to create safety concerns.

Enriching

85

Directly teaches high school biology concepts (photosynthesis) in an accessible format designed to help struggling students succeed. The developer explicitly aims to 're-ignite passion for biology' and provide equitable educational access. It's curriculum-aligned, knowledge-building content with clear learning objectives. However, it's relatively narrow in scope—one specific biology topic—so the enrichment is focused but not broad.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Actually free—no ads, no in-app purchases, no catch. The developer walks the talk on education as a human right.
Designed specifically for struggling students, neurodivergent learners, and kids who've lost their spark for science.
Teaches real high school biology (photosynthesis) through gaming rather than traditional lectures.
Created by a teacher who's been in the trenches and knows what doesn't work in traditional classrooms.
Safe, focused learning environment without the typical app manipulation tactics.

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What to Watch For

Limited scope—it's photosynthesis and that's it. Once your kid masters it, there's no new content to explore.
May feel more like interactive flashcards than a full game; don't expect Minecraft-level engagement.
Best as a supplement to classroom learning, not a standalone entertainment app.

Conversation Starters

"What's the coolest thing you learned about how plants make their own food?"
"If you could photosynthesize like a plant, what would you do with all that free energy?"
"Why do you think the developer made this completely free when most apps try to charge you?"
"How is learning from a game different from learning from a textbook or a teacher?"

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Photosynthesis Game