If the experiment doesn’t result in something new, kids have to press the arrow at the top of the screen to return to the lab. There’s also a bit of a learning curve with navigating the app. It’s important to note that the game isn’t scientifically accurate-freezing or electrifying an element won’t turn it into something else, for example. It might be better suited to younger kids who don’t know much about science, serving instead to encourage experimentation and highlight the joy of discovery rather than teach chemistry concepts. Kids simply try the lab tools on every element to their heart’s content.

The game promotes open exploration without time limits or penalties. Once an element is selected, testing different lab tools on the element can result in the creation of something new. The game features 118 elements, each busting with personality. Like all Toca Boca apps, there’s no text to wade through, so your little one can begin learning about experiments and science before they can even read. Toca Lab encourages little scientists to run different experiments on “elements” to discover something new.

Toca Boca is back with another excellent, entertaining app for the iPhone and iPad, Toca Lab.

Toca boca periodic table