Monday, May 25, 2015

Tech Review: Expedition: Insects

EXPEDITION: INSECTS by the Smithsonian Science Education Center is an ebook exploring the exciting world of insects.
From deadly hornets to stealthy stink bugs, young readers will enjoy learning about six different types of insects in their natural habitats from around the world. Designed for grades 3 through 5, interesting text and colorful images will appeal to science students. In addition to insect facts, the informational text also provides suggestions for ways that youth can observe nature.
Short video clips, interactive images, sounds, and links to key terms will maintain students interest and promote scientific understandings. Animated maps help children connect world geography to their exploration of insect habitats and an interactive sketchbook encourages young artists.
The iBook interface divides that book into eight chapters investigating the blue morpho butterfly, Asian giant hornet, Malaysian walking leaf, African dung beetle, brown marmorated stink bug, and firefly. Students can add highlights and notes using the built-in note taking features.
The accompanying project website includes downloads such as sketchbook pages and informational pages.
Those without access to the iBook format can still read a full-color PDF version of the book.
Go to the project website at http://www.ssec.si.edu/books/expedition/insects.