App Review: Ed and the Curious Crew

ED AND THE CURIOUS CREW provides a “behind-the-scenes” look at a children’s hospital.

Published by The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne Australia, this engaging app follows Ed and his friends as they learn, watch, play, and explore. Users choose from five sections: fun & learning, film & television, nutrition & allergies, fundraising & helping, and sustainability & environment. A different member of crew leads each section.

Librarians will find this engaging interactive app to be useful beyond the hospital setting.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/ed-curious-crew-at…/id1014855340….

App Review: Ed and the Curious Crew

ED AND THE CURIOUS CREW is an educational app exploring life at a children’s hospital.

Designed for ages 9-11, children choose from five areas: fun and learning, film and television, nutrition and allergies, fundraising and helping, and sustainability and environment. In each section, users can learn, watch, play, and explore. The easy-to-use activities engage children in age-appropriate learning experiences related to hospital and health-related topics.

Librarians will find this adorable app to be a great way to explore health-related topics. Pair it with books about illness and hospital visits.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/ed-curious-crew-at-…/id1014855340.

Technology Review: Interactive Constitution

INTERACTIVE CONSTITUTION is a free app allowing users to explore the full text of the U.S. Constitution.

This nonpartisan resource is easy to use. After clicking the “Explore It” button, students select from the Articles and Amendments tabs to read sections of the Constitution of interest. Annotated text is provided with the first 15 Amendments along with common interpretations. The Matters of Debate statements focus on areas of disagreement as discussed by leading scholars. For Amendments 16-27, full annotated text and interpretations from Annenberg Classroom are provided.

The About section provides white papers with background information about the Constitution and how it should be interpreted and applied.

Librarians will find this app useful for high school government classes. What makes it unique is the focus on presenting varied perspectives on key issues.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/interactive-constit…/id1147260877.

Technology Review: Science Friday

SCIENCE FRIDAY is a website and app featuring science audio programs on a wide range of topics.

The website features listen, explore, educate, and participate sections.

The Listen section features the latest podcasts as well as the audio archives. Each program includes the audio program along with visuals, text, additional information, and the opportunity to discuss the episode.

The Explore section provides access to news and entertaining stories about science. This section includes articles, audio, and videos. Educational materials are also available for some programs. Users can search, explore by type, or browse by topic.

The Educate section provides free STEM activities, lessons, and resources for parent and educators.

The Participate section provides ways that website users can get involved in various aspects of science.

The app allows users to browse podcasts along with other STEM content. Users can build custom playlists.

Librarians will find this website to be an easy way to promote STEM across the curriculum. Highlight episodes in the library or weave the podcasts into the science curriculum. Also, use the audios to promote listening skills and audio information literacy.

To visit the website, go to http://www.sciencefriday.com/.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/science-friday/id474235924.

Technology Review: NASA's Eyes

NASA’S EYES is a website and apps that can be used to explore Earth, the solar system, and the universe along with the spacecraft used for exploration.

While some of the interactives are browser-based, others require the NASA’s Eyes app.

Interactive visualizations include Juno, Eyes on the Earth, Eyes on the Solar System, and Eyes on Exoplanets. Solar system tours are also available.

The Events on Earth section explores recent events on our own planet including dust storms, fires, and hurricanes using satellite imagery.

DSN Now is a live web app that allows users to see which spacecrafts are currently active.

Finally, Experience Curiosity is a WebGL experience that allows users to learn about the Curiosity rover as it explores Mars.

Librarians will find this website a great way to get young people excited about space and space exploration. Use the website and apps to jumpstart research projects.

To visit the website, go to http://eyes.nasa.gov/

App Review: Slavery at Monticello

SLAVERY AT MONTICELLO is an app that tells the stories of people who lived and worked in Thomas Jefferson’s agricultural businesses.

After an introduction, users can explore the app through sites, people, or themes.

The “Discover Sites” section allows users to explore the stable, Hemmings cabin, textile workshop, stone house, storehouse for iron, nailery, blacksmith’s shop, joiner’s shop, coal sheds, and beyond Mulberry Row.

The “Meet People” section provides insights by more than a dozen people who worked for Thomas Jefferson from weavers and woodworkers to runaway slaves and the slave owner. Timelines visualize the lives of each person.

The “Explore Themes” section explores key themes including family and separation; labor, trade, and economy; life after Monticello; living and working conditions; racial identity; resistance and punishment; and studying slavery at Monticello.

Animations, stories, slideshows, and other approaches are used to share primary source documents and information related to each topic.

In addition to the major sections, users can also use a map to zoom-in on the historical site and explore various sites.

Librarians will find this to be an effective tool for discussing the history of slavery and Thomas Jefferson’s connections to the issue. History teachers will find that the format is attractive and easy to use with students. Immerse youth in the app through role playing activities.

To download the app from the App Store or Google Play, go tohttp://app.monticello.org/.

App Review: Apprentice Architect

APPRENTICE ARCHITECT is an app the involves youth in exploring a work of architecture and creating their own designs.

Inspired by the designs of Frank Gehry, app users explore the Foundation Louis Vuitton in Paris and create their own designs.

In the My Sketchbook section, users choose a shape based on familiar objects, then add color, patterns, and backgrounds.

In the Look Around You section, students explore how a building is designed and how it works.

In the Where’s Frank section, users learn about architect Frank Gehry.

In the Does the Work? section, 360 degree photographs are used to help users explore the museum building.

The Take the Controls section, allows users to operate a crane and explore the glass panels of the building.

The My Studio section, provides tools for youth to create their own designs.

Librarians will find this app to be an engaging way to introduce architects and architecture. Add this app to a learning station that includes online resources and books about other famous architects and their works. Incorporate the LEGO Architecture set as a hands-on experience with designing a building.

To download the app, go to http://archimoi.fondationlouisvuitton.fr/en/.

App Review: Ace Academy

ACE ACADEMY apps explores the history and science of fragile wood and fabric biplanes through a series of engaging, interactive experiences.

Developed by the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, the app begins with the basics of flight and proceeds to fascinating topics such as aerial photo-reconnaissance to airplane identification. Short animated videos narrated by a guide introduce each “flight training topic”. Users explore an aircraft, then complete a hands-on activity related to a key flight concept. Users proceed through nine sections learning about science and flight as they go. Users collect metals along the way to open up new levels. The program ends with a solo mission.

Librarians will find a large audience for this motivating learning experience. While some students will be attracted to the history, science, and flight information, others will simply enjoy the interactive flight aspects. Of particular note is the way that primary sources are woven into the experience. Weave this interactive app into an interdisciplinary project connecting history and science teachers.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/ace-academy/id930171476.

App Review: Ace Academy

ACE ACADEMY apps explores the history and science of fragile wood and fabric biplanes through a series of engaging, interactive experiences.

Developed by the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, the app begins with the basics of flight and proceeds to fascinating topics such as aerial photo-reconnaissance to airplane identification. Short animated videos narrated by a guide introduce each “flight training topic”. Users explore an aircraft, then complete a hands-on activity related to a key flight concept. Users proceed through nine sections learning about science and flight as they go. Users collect metals along the way to open up new levels. The program ends with a solo mission.

Librarians will find a large audience for this motivating learning experience. While some students will be attracted to the history, science, and flight information, others will simply enjoy the interactive flight aspects. Of particular note is the way that primary sources are woven into the experience. Weave this interactive app into an interdisciplinary project connecting history and science teachers.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/ace-academy/id930171476.

App Review: Earthquake

EARTHQUAKE by Nico Tranquilli is a free app providing the latest worldwide data about earthquake activity.

This attractive, well-designed app features a list of today’s seismic events along with an easy-to-use interactive map showing recent activity. The map makes it easy to zoom-in on areas of frequent activity. Students can select the magnitudes they wish to view including 2+, 3.5+, and 5+.

Each event includes it’s location, magnitude, depth, time, and coordinates. While much of the information comes directly from the USGS, other global services also contribute data.

Librarians will find this free app to be a useful addition to their app reference collection. Ask youth to compare recent earthquake activities to well-known faults and activities such as drilling. Incorporate this tool into meaningful, data literacy activities.

To download the app, go tohttps://itunes.apple.com/us/app/earthquake/id632040358.

As an alternative to this app, go directly to the USGS Earthquake website athttp://earthquake.usgs.gov/ for current information.

Technology Review: Foodkeeper

The FOODKEEPER website and app helps consumers understand food and beverage storage to maximize freshness and reduce waste.

This easy-to-use website and app allows users to browse or search for a food item such as marshmallows or chicken nuggets. Then, the tool provides information about freshness, storage, and cooking tips.

Developed by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, the app is designed for the general public but would be very useful in home and consumer science classes.

Librarians will want to add this easy-to-use app to their reference app collection for easy access. The app would also be useful in math or data literacy classes as a data set source.

To use the website or download the app for Android for Apple, go tohttps://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/foodkeeperapp/.

App Review: The ASL App

THE ASL APP by Ink & Salt helps users of all ages learn conversational ASL.

Containing over 800 signs and phrases, this easy-to-use app makes learning American Sign Language accessible and fun. Users begin by choosing a category such as know your ABCs, know your numbers, universal gestures, and the basics. Handshape exercises are also available. Each section provides a short video demonstration and the option to repeat, show the video slowly, or move to the next video.

Although the basic package is free, librarians may wish to add packages at a small fee associated with particular topics of interest within the curriculum. The basic app is an excellent way to get youth interested in ASL a quick and easy start.

Pair this app with the Spread the Sign website athttps://www.spreadthesign.com/ and other online resources to extend the experience.

To learn more about this app, go to http://theaslapp.com/

App Review: Touch Van Gogh

TOUCH VAN GOGH from the Stitchting Van Gogh Museum is an app that encourages children to explore paintings in detail.

Users explore nine iconic works by artist Vincent Van Gogh. Using multi-touch functions, students can discover the secrets of the artist’s painting techniques. Youth are also able to dive below layers of paint to explore the secrets concealed in each work.

Users begin by selecting a painting to explore. They can then click for information about the painting or select from the exploration tools. They can select from options such as when/where, subject, color, hidden detail, frame, recycling, canvas, and other options depending on the painting. Each tool zooms in on the painting and provides exploration tools along with explanations.

Each of the nine paintings provide a framework for exploring a different aspect of the artist’s works. For instance while exploring the Field with Irises near Arles painting, users learn about the work of the restorer in rubbing away layers of varnish. Explore Van Gogh’s self portraits, gardens, and homes.

Based on complex materials-technical research, librarians will find this app to be an excellent way to immerse youth in the works of Van Gogh. Pair this app with books related to the artist’s life and works as well as titles focusing on painting techniques.

Available from the App Store and Google Play. To download the app, go tohttp://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/…/about…/apps/app-touch-van-gogh.

App Review: Amount

AMOUNT by Marco Loretta is an easy-to-use unit converter.

Users select from 700 units across 30 categories from acceleration to volume. They can also do a key word search for terms such as gigawatt hour or nanonewton. The units can be visualize a number of different ways. For instance, the cooking section measures go from drops to bushels.

The system couldn’t be easier to use. Students simply select a unit and type in a number. The system automatically displays dozens of different conversation for that measure. Whether converting bits into terabytes, type points into inches, or Mexican pesos into American dollars, students will find a unit to fit their needs.

The layout is very effective, but it may take a few minutes to get accustomed to using swipe gestures, long presses, taps, and other tablet techniques to make it work.

Librarians will find this intuitive app to be an excellent addition to their app-based reference collection. Create customized lists of commonly used tools required across the curriculum including tools for physics, earth and space science, chemistry, mathematics, consumer science, business, industrial technology, social sciences, and many other areas.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/amount-unit-currency…/id560750783.

Technology Review: DOGOnews

DOGOnews is a website and app resource focusing on current events, news, and nonfiction articles for students and teachers.

The website consists of short articles. Most of these informational stories contain numerous images. Vocabulary words that may be unfamiliar to youth are highlighted and link to pop-up definitions and examples. Each article ends with reading comprehension questions, a critical thinking challenge, and vocabulary. A game helps readers review the vocabulary. While the website contains limited, education related advertising, it’s not distracting to readers.

Tabs lead users to articles about news, books, or movies. Within the news category, students can choose from science, sports, social studies, world, green, entertainment, fun, and other categories. They can also narrow by grade levels including K-3, 3-5, 3-8, and 3-5. This is useful when accessing articles that are appropriate for particular reading and interest levels. Within the book category, students can choose clubs, series, freebies, or seasonal works. Books are also organized by genre and reading level. Within the movie category, children can browse by categories such as mystery or animation.

The website also offers special features for students and teachers. Students can create their own avatar, earn badges, share articles, and write articles. Teachers can set up classroom accounts and make assignments.

The app works much the same way as the website. The easy-to-navigate app contains access to over 3,000 articles across the curriculum. Articles are categorized by grade level. Clicking on highlighted works leads to definitions and places are linked maps. Lesson plans are connected to national standards.

Librarians will find this easy-to-use resource is useful in reading activities. It’s also valuable for informational reading in the subject areas such as social studies and science.

To visit the website, go to http://www.dogonews.com/.

To download the app, go tohttps://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dogonews/id740364862.

Technology Review: Poetry

The POETRY app and website provides easy access to hundreds of well-known classic and contemporary poets and their poems.

Developed by The Poetry Foundation, the resource provides the poem along with information about the poet, links, and other materials. Users can search or browse poems and poets by categories including subjects, occasions, holidays, poetic terms, school/period, poet’s region, and poet’s birthdate. Features including articles, audios, and video.

A Learning Lab area of the website contains resources for teachers including poems, articles, lesson ideas, essays, and a glossary. A Children’s Poetry area features children’s poetry, articles, children’s video, and information about youth poetry projects. Of particular interest is the Young People’s Poet Laureate Jacqueline Woodson’s page.

The app provides easy access to poems and a way to save favorites.

Librarians will find this to be an easy-to-use website and app for youth. Teachers can easily connect the themes to classroom activities. The app’s mood feature will get students thinking about how poetry connects with emotions like optimism, boredom, disappointment, and joy.

To visit the website, go to http://www.poetryfoundation.org/
To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/poetry-from-the-poet…/id370143863.

App Review: Save the Park

SAVE THE PARK is a collaborative game launched to celebrate the centennial of the National Park Service.

Developed by Games for Change, this engaging app is intended to inspire young people and encourage a new generation of park lovers. The game focuses on ways volunteers can take an active role in preserving natural and historic resources.

Players take on the role of a park volunteer and complete tasks within particular settings such as a forest, desert, or coastal area. Information about national parks is woven throughout the game and links are provided to learn about real-world volunteer opportunities.

Librarians will find the game to be a fun way to introduce the concept of volunteerism and community service. Pair the game with a learning center containing books about civic participation. Youth will find the game to be easy and fun, but not much of a challenge.

The Games for Change website includes many other games that might be of interest to young people.

Visit the website at http://www.gamesforchange.org/.

To download the game, go to http://www.gamesforchange.org/savethepark/.

App Review: How Many Saturdays?

HOW MANY SATURDAYS? is an amazing data app from Exploratorium that helps young people explore units of time.

Users enter their birthdate and the app shows how much time they’ve lived in hours, minutes, and seconds. It also provides fascinating data based on the time an individual has been alive such as the number of Friday the 13ths, lightning strikes, presidential elections, and hours watching television. For each item, the app provides an image, animation, video, or audio to accompany the data.

Librarians will find this data app to be a fun way to gather information for autobiographical infographics. Ask youth to think about how they would display different types of data.

To download the app, go tohttp://www.exploratorium.edu/explore/apps/how-many-saturdays.

Published by Exploratorium.

App Review: Messy Mia & the Tale of Ancient Technology

MESSY MIA & THE TALE OF ANCIENT TECHNOLOGY is an interactive story and learning app focusing on old and new technology.

Designed for preschool and primary aged children, the 20 page storybook explores how technology such as televisions, phones, and music players have changed over time. The large text, engaging storyline, and attractive illustrations will keep young children interested. The app provides “Read it Myself” and “Read to Me” options. Readers are encouraged to interact with the screen using predictable icons. In addition, a “What’s That Picture?” quiz and three, short games will appeal to users and keep them involved in the story content.

Librarians will find this app an effective way to address digital literacy standards related to changes in technology.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/messy-mia-tales-sto…/id928647708…. The basic app is free, but additional resources can be purchased.

Published Avatar Generation.

App Review: Who is the Ugliest of All?

WHO IS THE UGLIEST OF ALL? is an engaging, interactive e-book app by Joshua and Donna Wilson.

This clever story follows a girl as she prepares to go out for the evening. Her fashion choices seem strange until readers discover she’s getting ready for a Halloween party. This short, interactive picture book incorporates interesting interactions, appealing illustrations, and entrancing rhymes.

Readers move forward or backward through the story by touching the right or left side of the screen. Users can explore each story page by touching various areas of the screen. Touching the words will read the page aloud.

Librarians will find this storybook app to be an exciting addition to the growing number of holiday-themed interactive books.

To purchase the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/who-is-the-ugliest-…/id930248798….

Published by The Happy Dandelion. Advanced copy courtesy of the publisher.