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.

Website Review: The Colossal Squid

THE COLOSSAL SQUID is an educational exhibition from the Museum of New Zealand.

This online project is divided into sections including anatomy, the deep, the squid files, build a squid, exhibition, and resources. The anatomy section contains an interactive lesson and short articles, images, and videos. The deep area explores the ocean in Antarctica including an interactive, articles, images, and videos. The squid files provides materials associated with a scientific expedition. The build-a-squid interactive is a fun way to review. The exhibition and resources section provides access to a virtual tour and lots of learning activities.

Librarians will find this website has a variety of fascinating activities to engage young scientists. Associate the website with the water and life science curriculum. Or, use it in a program featuring sea creatures.

To visit the website, go to http://squid.tepapa.govt.nz/.