Few technologies make futurists salivate more than 3D printing. It almost seems like the replicator in Star Trek — anything you can dream of at your fingertips.
But does reality live up to the hype? AsapSCIENCE breaks down the abilities and possibilities of 3D printing in a quick and informative video.
It starts with the basics. So if you've heard of 3D printing, but still don't completely grasp the idea, this is a great place to start.
See also: How NASA Will Use 3D Printers in Space
From trinkets to organs, the future of 3D printing remains hazy. Even if it never reaches Star Trek status, 3D printing is one more frontier for science-minded folks to explore.
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BONUS: 10 Apps to Get Kids Excited About Science
Start with the basics. This iPad app gives a beautiful introduction to the elements, showing kids and adults alike what a big role chemistry plays in our everyday lives. It even shows objects in 3D for a fuller experience of our scientific building blocks.
Price: $13.99 Available for iPad
If your kids dream of being astronauts, then SkySafari will increase their love of space even more. The basic version offers a database of thousands of stars, clusters, nebulae, galaxies and astronomical phenomena. Go all out with the Pro version for the largest database currently available in an app, in addition to detailed views of the night sky from any location on Earth, up to a million years into the past or future.
Price: $2.99 - $39.99 Available for iOS and Android.
This astronomy app focuses a little closer to home. The program combines satellite images and topographic laser altimeter data to create an accurate, real-time picture of the moon's surface. It also has history lessons, noting where and when moon landings occurred. The free version is a solid introduction to the moon, and just a buck will upgrade you to the HD version, with better resolution.
Price: Free - $0.99 Available for iOS.
Nobody knows space like NASA. Rocket Science 101 teaches kids about spacecraft, NASA history and, yes, rocket science. Your children will love this fun, colorful app.
Price: Free Available on iOS and Android.
This app features dozens of hands-on science experiments that bring the classroom into your home. The videos are hosted by Dan Menelly, a science teacher at the UN International School and a 2010 Einstein Fellow with the National Science Foundation's Office of Cyberinfrastructure. The team designed this app to be fun and educational for both kids and teachers, so expect to get the whole family involved with these adventures.
Price: Free Available for iOS.
Kids who love surgery game "Operation" can take their anatomical exploration to the next level. Muscle System Pro III emerged from the Stanford University School of Medicine. The app combines serious academic pedigree with great visuals. It's a tool that medical professionals might use for reference, so even though the information may be best suited to teens, younger children can still investigate how the body works through the interactive images.
Price: $19.99 Available for iPad.
Not only does this informative app explain the functions of each region of the brain, but it also shares insights on disorders and injuries. For users who want to learn more, the app links to contemporary neuroscience research. As with the Muscle Pro app, the content is best suited for older children, but it can still give younger kids an introduction to what happens beneath their skulls.
Price: Free Available for iOS and Android.
You know your kids are in good hands when their apps are designed by a fellow kid. Kid Weather introduces children to meteorology in a fun, accessible way. It presents trivia, safety tips and fun facts about all types of weather conditions. Plus, kids can learn how to plot data and convert temperatures from Fahrenheit to Celsius, getting an early understanding of traditional scientific practices.
Price: $1.99 Available for iOS and Android.
Pop Science Kids Game turns several scientific topics into an engaging game of popping bubbles. The paid version covers everything from planets to electronics to tools, so your young player will get a fun introduction to the wide world of science.
Price: Free-$0.99 Available on Android.
Programming and coding aren't just the purview of computer scientists. Most careers and all ages can benefit from understanding the language of our gadgets, so why not start early? Cargo-Bot app is a game that teaches children the basics of programming. Rather than drill them on specific coding languages, Cargo-Bot cultivates logical thinking to solve puzzles.
Price: Free Available on iPad.
Image: YouTube, AsapSCIENCE