Using a mobile device? The resources in this collection were designed specifically for mobile use or have full or near-full functionality on a mobile device.
Beth Russell with NOAA’s Global Systems Laboratory demonstrates how easy it is to use the SOSx mobile application on a tablet. (Image credit: Beth Russell/NOAA)
NOTE: This page is no longer being updated or maintained.
You can find more mobile apps and much more in our Sea to Sky database. You can bookmark this link, which will take you directly to the Sea to Sky database with mobile app pre-selected. You can further refine by subject, topic, or other filters as needed.
Mobile apps
CrowdMag
When you go outside and are moving around, use the citizen science CrowdMag app to measure the magnetic data along your path. Save, list, export or delete data to create a complete magnetic field map of your area. Share your data with a research group at NOAA. Multiple recordings along the same path are very helpful to reduce the noise and produce a more accurate magnetic field map.
Get started with our tiny tutorial!
mPING mobile app
Weather radars cannot “see” at the ground, so mPING (Meteorological Phenomena Identification Near the Ground) collects public weather reports through a free app available for mobile devices. Reporters select the type of weather that is occurring, and tap “submit.” These reports are used by the National Weather Service and the NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory to fine-tune their forecasts and are displayed on a map that is available to anyone.
SOS Explorer™ (SOSx) mobile app
The revolutionary mobile app takes Science On a Sphere® (SOS) datasets, usually only seen on a 6-foot sphere in large museum spaces, and brings them into the palm of your hand. The visualizations show information provided by satellites, ground observations and computer models. Some of the datasets can be paired with the NGSS-aligned SOS phenomenon-based learning modules, which can inspire your students to dig even deeper into these ideas.
Mobile-friendly lessons
Data in the Classroom
Data in the Classroom has structured, student-directed lesson plans that use historical and real-time NOAA data. The five modules address research questions and include stepped levels of engagement with complex inquiry investigations with real-time and past data. Data in the Classroom has a mobile-responsive interface, but some parts may not be completely intuitive and we suggest educators test it out before sending it to students.
Marine Debris Tracker
The Marine Debris tracker app is a citizen science project where users monitor and report trash found along waterways (including freshwater!) and coastlines. They can then become involved with local and global data collection.
National Marine Sanctuaries virtual dives and lessons
Immerse yourself in the ocean and your national marine sanctuaries without getting wet! These virtual reality voyages use 360-degree images to highlight the amazing habitats, animals, and cultural resources you can find in each national marine sanctuary. You can explore on a desktop browser, on a mobile device, or with a virtual reality device. Five NGSS-aligned lessons will further help students learn about America's underwater treasures. Most lessons can be completed by viewing the videos and completing accompanying tasks with minimal materials.
SOS Explorer™ (SOSx) mobile app
The revolutionary mobile app takes Science On a Sphere® (SOS) datasets, usually only seen on a 6-foot sphere in large museum spaces, and brings them into the palm of your hand. The visualizations show information provided by satellites, ground observations and computer models. Some of the datasets can be paired with the NGSS-aligned SOS phenomenon-based learning modules, which can inspire your students to dig even deeper into these ideas.
Videos and podcasts
MOSAiC: Multidisciplinary Drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate videos, podcasts, and virtual reality images
In 2020, an international group of educators, photographers, cinematographers, and scientists are teamed together to bring the MOSAiC expedition to everyone and anyone fascinated by the Arctic, including K-16 students across the globe. Explore the video gallery offsite link, collection of mini-podcasts from the Arctic offsite link, and immersive 360-degree virtual experiences offsite link.
National Marine Sanctuaries virtual dives and lessons
Immerse yourself in the ocean and your national marine sanctuaries without getting wet! These virtual reality voyages use 360-degree images to highlight the amazing habitats, animals, and cultural resources you can find in each national marine sanctuary. You can explore on a desktop browser, on a mobile device, or with a virtual reality device. Five NGSS-aligned lessons will further help students learn about America's underwater treasures. Most lessons can be completed by viewing the videos and completing accompanying tasks with minimal materials.
NOAA and the Octonauts podcast
Learn more about the real-life versions of The Octonauts™ sea creatures and the ocean they call home in this three-episode podcast from the Coastal Ecosystem Learning Center Network.
NOAA Ocean Podcast
Connect with ocean experts and explore topics from corals to coastal science with this audio podcast for teens and adults.
NOAA Ocean Today videos
Watch. Explore. Discover. View the beauty and mystery of the ocean realm captured on video around the globe. Videos are organized into collections to help educators.
NOAA SciJinks videos
NOAA SciJinks inspires and engages students to learn about weather, satellite meteorology and Earth science.
Sea Grant podcasts
Many Sea Grant programs host or support podcasts that highlight ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes topics. Some of the podcasts offer a quick overview of relevant science and others feature conversations with coastal residents, researchers or other experts. Find the perfect podcast, whether for a lesson plan or entertainment on your morning commute!
Data resources
GOES-R 3D model
Explore a GOES-R series satellite with this 3D model, which allows you to move the satellite around and discover all its working parts on a mobile device screen. Especially great for the hardcore weather nerds!
NOAA Digital Coast
Part of the NOAA Office of Coastal Management, the NOAA Digital Coast website is mobile-optimized. This website is focused on helping communities address coastal issues and visualizing coasts and adjacent land. Explore many data resources such as the Sea Level Rise Viewer, the Data Access Viewer, Intro to Lidar, Historical Hurricane Tracks, the Flood Exposure Mapper and much more.
Thanks to our friends at NOAA Satellites for the inspiration and for putting together a great list of mobile resources!