• by Maya Abulashvili , February 19, 2015

Chemical Heritage Foundation’s Mission Statement is, “To foster dialogue on science and technology in society.” The Foundation’s Appy Awards entry, ChemCrafter App, puts this mission statement into action by creating a virtual science lab, tapping into one’s curiosity about the how’s and why’s of chemical reactions.

ChemCrafter provides tutorials to guide you though experiments with water, acids, and salts. The user will witness surprising color changes, fire and smoke, the release of gases, and the shattering of equipment. The “Chem-o-Convertor” helps measure energy released, which racks up points to unlock new experiments, equipment, and chemicals. You also earn trophy-room badges as you become more sophisticated with your experimentation.

The look and feel of this app is collaboration between the Chemical Heritage Foundation and Emmy Award-winning digital agency Bluecadet. The app features retro-style custom illustrations, a la Dexter’s Laboratory, which itself paid homage to the 1950’s when chemistry sets were standard issue to young, curious minds.

The app was created for ages 12-15, but understandably appeals to anyone who thinks chemistry experiments are awesome. Excuse me while I go back to my lab to create a “Pharaoh’s Snake” out of mercury thiocyanate. 

ChemCrafter is free and available on iTunes.