Website: Total Darkness

TOTAL DARKNESS from the Science Museum Group is an online science mystery.

This engaging online interactive challenges players to apply critical and creative thinking skills to a science problem. After the electricity goes out, players explore their dark town and apply science skills to help people who are dealing with the power outage. Along the way, players discover theories about what caused the outage and apply creativity, communication, and curiosity skills to solve the mystery.

Librarians will find this interactive to be a fun way to introduce science concepts. Use it as part of a learning center along with books and science experiments.

To visit the website, go to https://totaldarkness.sciencemuseum.org.uk/.

Website: Virtual Urchin

VIRTUAL URCHIN is a science website from Stanford University containing interactive tutorials and teacher resources.

The website features interactive tutorials in the areas of microscope basics, development and embryology, ecology and environment, and basic biology. The web-based tutorials include step-by-step instructions, key concepts, practice, and hands-on activities.

The teacher resources section provides suggested activities, additional learning materials, and links to other resources.

Librarians will find that students enjoy these hands-on, online interactive tutorials covering a dozen key concepts.

To visit the website, go tohttp://web.stanford.edu/group/inquiry2insight/virtualurchin

Website Review: Species in Pieces

SPECIES IN PIECES is an interactive exhibition featuring thirty of the world’s most interesting, but endangered species.

This database allows users to browse through the animals or select a specific creature to examine. Rather than showing photographs, the project uses CSS polygons to visualize each animal. For each creature, users can read basic facts, explore statistics, watch a video, and explore a conservation website.

Librarians will find this exhibition to be an engaging way to start an investigation of endangered animals. Ask students to explore the exhibit, then select one of the animals to examine in-depth. Help learners use subscription databases, books, and other resources to gather the latest information about their creature.

The CSS polygons found on this website will fascinate students and teachers alike. Use this website to jumpstart a coding activity where students create their own animal images.

To explore the website, go to http://species-in-pieces.com.

Website Review: I Spy (with my Five Eyes)

I SPY (WITH MY FIVE EYES) is an interactive website documentary focusing on global privacy issues.

This engaging documentary explores the tensions among citizens, governments, and intelligence groups related to government surveillance. Specifically, it examines the Five Eyes Alliance surveillance program established during the Cold War that continues today. Each of the five interactive video chapters focuses a specific aspect of government surveillance such as cyberwarfare and the search for terrorists. Each video includes interactive elements such as embedded questions and additional content. Further information is also available.

Librarians will find this interactive documentary to be an effective way to teach high school students about global privacy issues. Social studies teachers will also be interested in weaving the content into their social issues and history curriculum.

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

Website Review: A Bear's Eye View of Yellowstone

A BEAR’S EYE VIEW OF YELLOWSTONE is an interactive exploration of the world of bears.

Created by National Geographic, this interactive project uses text, images, audio, video, maps, and infographics to provide insights into the life of bears living in Yellowstone National Park. After exploring one bear’s journey, users can follow other bears including both black bears and grizzly bears.

Librarians will find this website to be an excellent resource for reluctant learners. The mixture of audio, video, and images along with small text segments will draw interest. Use this interactive journey as a springboard to an inquiry-based learning experience focusing on animals.

To visit the website, go to https://www.nationalgeographic.com/…/yellowstone-national-…/.

Website Review: The Garden of Earthly Delights

THE GARDEN OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS is an online interactive adventure allowing users to explore the stories behind the artwork of Jheronimus Bosch.

This audio and video experience provides two options. First, users can freely explore the stories hidden behind the painting by clicking on areas of the image. Second, students can take an audiovisual tour of the painting. Keep in mind that this website contains artistic nudity.

Librarians will find this interactive project to be a fun way to learn about how stories connect to artwork. Ask students to explore the website, then use a tool like PowerPoint to create their own clickable stories about a painting of their choice.

To visit the website, go to https://tuinderlusten-jheronimusbosch.ntr.nl/en.

Website Review: Hollow

HOLLOW is an interactive website providing a fascinating intersection of art and science.

Users explore a virtual version of a permanent public artwork containing a miniature forest of trees from around the globe. Students can examine 10,000 unique tree samples by browsing the sculpture or exploring by piece either alphabetically, by tree family, or by geographic location.

Librarians will find that this web project provides a unique combination of science and art that’s perfect for the STEAM curriculum. Ask students to explore the website and notice the different ways that the wood database can be accessed. Involve students in creating their own intersection between art and science by focusing on a category of animal or animal.

To visit the website, go to http://hollow.org.uk/.

Website Review: El Capitan, Yosemite

EL CAPITAN, YOSEMITE from Google Maps is an amazing interactive journey up a cliff-face.

One of a series of treks available through Google Maps Street View, this interactive web project takes users on a 3,000 foot climb up a rock face in Yosemite National Park. User scroll up the page to make the climb with numerous chances to stop and explore 360 degree views. In addition, users can watch short videos by Yosemite experts and explore behind-the-scenes.

Librarians will find this website to be an excellent introduction to the idea of 360 degree photography and the power of Google Map’s Streetview project. Ask each student to explore a different trek and share their experience. Then, get them involved in creating their own 360 degree images.

To visit the website, go to https://www.google.com/…/behind-…/streetview/treks/yosemite/.

Website Review: Daughters of Paradise

DAUGHTERS OF PARADISE is an interactive website telling the powerful stories of female Syrian refugees.

The website experience tells the story of Noor, Najlaa, and Reem. Each story includes text, still images, sounds, videos, and other elements to bring each person’s story to life.

Librarians will find this to be a useful tool in helping teens understand the impact of the Syrian War on women.

To visit the website, go to http://www.refinery29.com/syrian-refugees/.

Website Review: The Boat

THE BOAT tells the compelling interactive story of a boat of refugees.

In the 1970s and 1980s, hundreds of thousands of refugees fled Vietnam by boat. Produced by SBS (Special Broadcasting Service) Television in Australia, this interactive narrative tells the story of one family trying to survive in a small boat. Using a graphic novel style approach, readers scroll through a series of six chapters as they follow Mai on a sea voyage across dangerous waters.

Librarians will find this interactive experience to be an effective way to jumpstart conversations about both history and immigration issues.

To read this story, go to http://www.sbs.com.au/theboat/.

Website Review: Histography

HISTOGRAPHY is a website visualization of world history that can be explored many different ways.

After opening the website, users are presented with a timeline containing dots representing historical events from the last four hundred years. Clicking a dot presents an event, date, and image along with a link to a Wikipedia article. Clicking related events, show users historical points that are connected to the original article.

By clicking on the timeline, users can select from eras covering decades or millions of years such as Middle Ages or Age of Reptiles . Users can also explore the resources by choosing selected events from categories such as art, disasters, and discoveries. Resources can also be accessed by selecting from editorial stories.

Librarians will find that students are fascinated by this interactive visualization. Use it to motivate young historians and help them explore history. Incorporate the website into a lesson focusing on timelines and categories of history.

To visit the website, go to http://histography.io/.

Website Review: 78 Coins

78 COINS is an interactive website that shows why we’re probably not alone in the universe.

This interactive story takes users through a series of slides that discuss the probability of rolling all “heads” or “tails” with 78 coins. As users flip through the story, they learn about chance and the findings of astronomers.

Librarians will find this simple interactive to be a fascinating introduction to both probability and the nature of the universe. Use it to jumpstart a discussion of aliens and feature the library’s fiction and nonfiction works associated with the possibility of alien life.

To visit the website, go to http://www.joshworth.com/dev/78coins/.

Website Review: TATE Kids

The TATE KIDS website features a wide range of interactive activities exploring art topics.

Sponsored by UK’s Tate Gallery, users can easily access dozens of engaging art activities. The “My Gallery” section provides online space for sharing artwork.

The “Games” section includes over a dozen, engaging art games. Each game is identified as Level 1, 2, or 3. The games explore different aspects of art.

The “Videos” section provides over a dozen videos and clips focusing on art and artists. Each video is aimed at children and explores a focused topic of interest.

The “Tate Create” section introduces youth to off line activities such as mask making and Matisse cut-outs.

Finally, an adult space provides lesson plans and ideas for parents and teachers.

Librarians will find this hands-on, interactive website to be popular with art teachers. Many of the interactives work well on an electronic whiteboard. Consider weaving some of the hands-on activities into the library’s makerspace along with books and other resources.

To visit the website, go to https://kids.tate.org.uk/.

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/.

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.

Website Review: BBC Bitesize

BBC BITESIZE is a website providing small chunks of instruction on key topics across the curriculum.

Although designed for students living in the United Kingdom, the focused, online study guides are useful in the K-12 US curriculum too. The website provides elementary, middle, and secondary content in areas such as art, music, media studies, English, science, technology, social studies, business, history, and many other areas. Users can access content by primary or secondary grades or by subject area.

While some topics include learning guides, others contain short animated clips, video clips, interactive games, quizzes, tutorials, or other instructional content.

While the website can be overwhelming for students, librarians will find a wealth of resources. Work with teachers to connect specific topics to the curriculum and link students directly to the resource such as the tutorial or video clip.

To visit the website, go to http://www.bbc.co.uk/education.

Website Review: USGS Water Science

The Water Science School from the USGS provides easy-to-understand information exploring all aspects of hydrology.

The website includes pages focusing on the topics of water basics, water properties, water cycles, surface water, ground water, water quality, and water use. In addition, there’s an activity center, picture gallery, questions/answers, and water glossary.

A teacher resources page links to informational resources, activities, and even a class play.

Of particular interest are the resources related to the water cycle. The entry page contains a printable poster featuring key concepts related to the water cycle. Clicking the Interactive Diagram takes users to a clickable visual focusing on definitions and examples. These interactives are available for beginners, intermediate, and advanced learners.

Librarians will find this website to be an excellent resource for both students and teachers. The website would be useful for online informational reading activities focusing on the science of water. Many of the materials can be printed for use in classroom activities, displays, and bulletin boards.

To visit the website, go to http://water.usgs.gov/edu/.

App Review: Sound Uncovered

SOUND UNCOVERED from the Exploratorium is a learning app that explores a wide range of topics related to the science of sound.

A table of contents provides access to fifteen interactives, articles, and videos focusing on different aspects of sound. Each item presents an activity along with background information explaining the science concepts behind the activity.

Librarians will find that students enjoy the short, focused activities. Create a display that combines this app with books and hands-on science activities related to the science of sound. As a class, ask students to work in pairs with one of the activities, then share what they learned.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sound-uncovered/id598835017.

App Review: MoMA's Art Lab

MoMA’s ART LAB is an interactive art tool app for young artists.

Designed by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), this easy-to-use app provides tools for creating, saving, and sharing artwork.

Users begin with a white screen and tools for creating works of art that include lines, shapes, and colors.

The Ideas button helps users experiment with line, shape, and color by providing a series of project starters.

The Activities button provides project suggestions including information about artists, their works, and interactive tools and instructions for how to create a piece of artwork in that style. For instance, students can create mobiles, sound compositions, and shape poems.

The Gallery area displays works of art that have been saved by users.

Librarians will find this tool to be popular with art teachers. Combine it with books associated with art and artists. The app provides audio narration for youth who need this support.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/moma-art-lab/id529886963.