Merge EDU vs U.S. Army STARS Anatomy

Merge EDU is an immersive learning platform for K–12 classrooms, bringing together science simulations and digital teaching aids. Merge Explorer has more than 100 simulations across biology, physics, chemistry, and astronomy; the maker says these align with core science standards. Object Viewer lets students inspect and import 3D models in AR, then create and share collections. HoloGlobe displays NASA and NOAA satellite data, including rainfall, cloud cover, temperatures, wildfires, and snowfall. The Merge Cube can enhance AR, though most features do not require it. Merge EDU is listed for Android, iOS, web, and Windows; product pages also list iOS, Chromebook, and Windows downloads. The maker says play is stored locally and personally identifiable information from child users is not collected during app use. Pricing includes free Classroom and School plans, Individual at $17/mo billed yearly, and Teacher at $28/mo billed yearly. A 14-day trial is available. Support differs by plan, and custom pricing is offered for districts and other special requirements.

U.S. Army STARS Anatomy is a free app designed to help students learn foundational anatomy through activities focused on bones. Explore presents a 3D human skeleton that users can search and select; each bone has its name, shape, function and pronunciation. Quest is a physics-based puzzle game with more than 30 levels in which players find bones and collect artifacts in caves. Quizzes cover subjects such as Torso and Legs & Feet, while the Master Challenge provides an all-inclusive quiz. Bone Hunter tracks a streak of finding bones and can cover the full skeleton or selected groups such as Hands, Legs or Cranium. On supported devices, users can view the skeleton in augmented reality, and Bone Hunter is also playable in AR. The site offers educator-written sample lesson plans for grades 9 to 12 and teacher guides for using STARS apps. The app is listed for web, iOS, Android and macOS, with wearable support. Its Free plan costs nothing and includes the listed learning activities.