Does it actually teach the names of the elements?

Not really. It uses the symbols (like 'Au' for Gold), but it doesn't display the full names prominently. It's more about the concept of elements than memorizing the table.

Is there any risk of 'exploding' or scary content?

Zero. Even when you use the Bunsen burner or the 'electrify' tool, the reactions are cute and cartoonish. There is nothing that would startle or frighten a sensitive child.

Can my child play this without an internet connection?

Yes. Once downloaded, the app works entirely offline, making it a great choice for car rides or flights.

How long does it take to 'finish' the app?

There are 118 elements to discover. A focused child could probably unlock them all in a few hours, but most kids enjoy coming back to just 'play' with their favorite characters.

Toca Lab: Elements – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Toca Lab: Elements

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

app2015

91%

WISE Score

3.5

Google Play

A quirky, stress-free chemistry set where the elements are cute characters and nothing actually blows up in your face.

Toca Lab: Elements

app

Everyone, 2015

91%

WISE Score

3.5

Google Play

A quirky, stress-free chemistry set where the elements are cute characters and nothing actually blows up in your face.

Jump to

Also rated on

Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

Toca Lab: Elements is a masterclass in how to make an educational app that doesn't feel like a digital worksheet. By treating the periodic table like a cast of Pokémon-style characters, it removes the intimidation factor of chemistry and replaces it with genuine wonder.

It is one of the few apps that truly respects a child's intelligence by letting them lead the way. There are no instructions because they aren't needed. While it's now part of the broader Piknik/Toca Boca Jr subscription bundle, it remains a standalone gem for any kid who likes to tinker.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 4-8 crowd. It’s simple enough for a preschooler to navigate but interesting enough for a primary schooler who is starting to get curious about 'how stuff works.'

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It is a stress-free, non-competitive environment. There are no timers, no high scores, and no ways to 'fail,' which keeps the emotional stakes perfectly calibrated for young children.

Imaginative

The app functions as a digital toy rather than a rigid game. It invites kids to poke, prod, and experiment with 'what happens if' scenarios using various lab tools.

Safe

Toca Boca is the gold standard for privacy. No third-party ads, no tracking, and no social features or chat rooms. It is a closed, secure ecosystem.

Enriching

While it doesn't teach the nitty-gritty of atomic weights or chemical reactions, it builds a massive amount of curiosity about the periodic table and the scientific method.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Pure exploration without the pressure of levels, points, or 'game over' screens.
Tactile mechanics that make virtual lab tools like Bunsen burners and centrifuges feel satisfying to use.
Sparking curiosity about the periodic table by turning abstract science into 118 distinct, animated personalities.
Zero-distraction design means no pop-ups, no 'buy more coins' prompts, and no accidental ad clicks.

⚠

What to Watch For

The app focuses on vibes over facts; it doesn't actually display the full names of the elements or their real-world uses.
It can feel repetitive for older kids once they have 'unlocked' all the characters, as the experimentation loop is fairly simple.

Conversation Starters

"Which element character was your favorite to experiment on?"
"Why do you think some elements reacted differently to the centrifuge than they did to the Bunsen burner?"
"If we looked up the real 'Gold' element, do you think it would look anything like the character in the app?"
"What kind of real scientist would use a tool like a centrifuge in their lab?"

Deep Dive

The 'Digital Toy' Philosophy

Toca Boca has always been vocal about making 'digital toys' rather than 'games.' In Toca Lab: Elements, this distinction is everything. Most educational apps try to trick kids into learning through gamification—earn five stars to get a sticker. This app doesn't care about your stars. It trusts that the act of putting a little neon-colored blob into a centrifuge and watching it spin is reward enough.

Science as Character Design

Each of the 118 elements is represented as a unique character. When you 'discover' a new one, it’s not just a box on a grid; it’s a new friend with its own reactions. This is a brilliant way to introduce the concept of the periodic table to kids who aren't even old enough to spell 'Manganese.'

Limitations to Consider

If you are looking for a rigorous chemistry tutor, this isn't it. The app doesn't explain why something happens in scientific terms. It’s all about the feel of science. Parents should treat this as a conversation starter—a gateway drug to real-world science kits or books like The Elements by Theodore Gray.

One minor point of friction in 2026: the app is increasingly pushed as part of a subscription bundle. If you’re already in the Toca Boca ecosystem, it’s a must-have. If you’re trying to buy it as a one-off, the subscription model might feel like a bit of a commitment for a single 'toy.'

What Parents Ask

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic