Website Review: Habitats

HABITATS is a science learning game from Smithsonian Education.

Designed for grades three through six, this life science game asks students to match the animal with their habitat. Users drag animals into a habitat and are given feedback about the accuracy of their answers.

Librarians will find this interactive game to be an effective way to introduce children to animal habitats. Use the game to jump-start a science unit. Ask students to work in small groups and learn more about the animals in a particular habitat (i.e., desert, coral reefs, jungle, marsh). Build a learning display that includes books about the animals featured in the game.

To play the game, go to https://ssec.si.edu/habitats.

Website Review: Disaster Detector

DISASTER DETECTOR is an educational game that applies natural hazard data to catastrophic event preparation.

Published by Smithsonian Education, this science game teaches learners how to analyze and interpret data to forecast natural disasters. In addition, students learn how to apply tools to mitigate the effects of those catastrophic events. Players are asked to help the citizens of Smithsonville and four other cities make predictions and save their city from damage. Players can complete a tutorial or jump right into game play.

Librarians will find this science game to be an effective way to connect science with real-world natural disasters. After playing the game, ask youth to read about real natural disasters and share how the game connects with reality.

Students can play the game online or download the app from the App Store or Google Play.

To play the game or download the app, go to https://ssec.si.edu/disaster-detector.

Tech Review: Aquation

AQUATION: THE FRESHWATER ACCESS GAME is an educational game exploring water science issues.

Published by the Smithsonian Institute, this learning game teaches science students about management of global water resources. Participants are asked to develop strategies and make decisions about water science topics such as water desalination plants, natural disasters, and water pipelines. Players begin by choosing a game piece, then select whether they wish to play the tutorial or the game.

Librarians will find that students enjoy learning about water science through this educational game. A text alternative is available for teachers wishing to use a short story connected with the game to jumpstart a water science unit.

The game is available online or through the App Store or Google Play.

To play the game or download the app, go to https://ssec.si.edu/aquation.

Tech Review: BumperDucks

BUMPERDUCKS is a middle school game designed to teach physical science.

This educational game from Smithsonian Education teaches students what happens when two objects collide and how mass impacts the acceleration of an object. Participants must help a duck avoid obstacles to reach tasty treats across a pond. Users can either play the game or explore the sandbox. In sandbox mode, users can manipulate the objects to experiment with how they work or build puzzles.

Librarians will find this to be a fun way to engage science students through game playing. Work with teachers to develop meaningful physical science activities within the sandbox feature. Include the game as part of a physical science display along with makerspace activities and nonfiction science books.

The game is available online or through the App Store or Google Play.

To visit the website or download the app, go tohttps://ssec.si.edu/bumperducks.

Technology Review: The Voyage of Van Diemen's Land

THE VOYAGE TO VAN DIEMEN’S LAND is an educational game set in the 19th century.

Produced by the Australian National Maritime Museum, the learning experience immerses players in the year 1830. As the surgeon superintendent aboard a convict vessel, players must successfully transport human cargo from Britain to what is now known as Tasmania Australia.

The game’s introduction provides a fast-paced, highly illustrated overview of history connected to the game. Players begin by selecting a ship, captain, and supplies. After loading the supplies, convicts, an overseer, and assistant are chosen. Finally, rats much be caught. During the voyage, the mood and health of the passengers must be carefully supervised. Stops along the way are essential, but can also cause problems. Games are built into the story keeping student players motivated.

Librarians will find that the combination of humor along with the use of realistic problems and historically accurate information makes this a highly engaging way to learn about world history. Much like the old Oregon Trail game, the key is helping students make historical connections as they work their way through the game experience.

To visit the website, go to http://voyage.anmm.gov.au/.