A free, easy-to-use app that lets students explore school subjects through simple 3D animations and interactive models using any phone or tablet
McGraw Hill AR is a free mobile app that brings school subjects to life using augmented reality. Instead of just showing pictures in a textbook, the app lets students point a phone or tablet at a page and see 3D models, animations, and interactive scenes right in the real world.
Teachers don’t need programming skills — you just open the app, choose a topic, and let students explore.
Shows complex ideas visually (e.g., the solar system orbiting, a cell growing, historical scenes popping out of the page).
Makes learning more engaging, especially for students who struggle with text-heavy instructions.
Helps with spatial understanding, which is often difficult in subjects like science or math.
Supports independent or small-group exploration while the teacher circulates.
Offers quick “wow moments” without long setup time.
Easy for teachers — no setup, no coding, very little training needed.
Students love it — feels like learning through exploration.
Improves clarity for abstract topics (systems, molecules, historical scenes).
Free to download, which helps with budget limits.
Works on phones, iPads, and most tablets.
Good option for classes that want simple AR without buying headsets.
Content is limited to what McGraw Hill provides; you cannot create your own custom lessons.
Requires mobile devices — not ideal if your class only has Chromebooks or computers.
Needs a good internet connection for smooth loading.
Shorter learning activities — not a full curriculum tool on its own.
Some animations may feel simple compared to full MR/VR platforms.
Basic smartphone/tablet use
Ability to open an app and select a topic
Optional: printing markers (if you want to use the AR triggers from worksheets)
No programming, no 3D modeling, no technical setup.
Moderate AR immersion. Students stay in the real classroom environment while seeing 3D objects appear on the floor, desk, or worksheet.
They can walk around the models, zoom in/out, and interact lightly.
Not as immersive as headsets (like Quest or Vision Pro), but much easier to use and manage.
Yes — very easily.
Students can open the app and start exploring with almost no teacher guidance.
Great for:
stations and centers
science labs
early finishers
homework extension (if they have devices at home)
Free app (for iOS and Android)
Additional McGraw Hill curriculum resources may be paid, but many AR experiences are free.
iPad / iPhone (strongest performance)
Android tablets / phones
Works with school-managed iPads (MDM)
Does not require headsets or special hardware
If you want to try AR in your class without learning new technology or buying expensive equipment, McGraw Hill AR is one of the easiest entry points. It brings topics to life in a way that supports visual learning and boosts engagement, and it works directly with devices most schools already have.