Technology Review: Images of Change

IMAGES OF CHANGE is an visually-rich science website and app from NASA.

Both the website and app contain similar features.

From natural disasters to growing cities, users take a close-up look at pairs of images that show before and after scenes. Students can see glaciers that have melted, the devastation from floods and wildfires, and the impact of humans in different settings.

Each photo pair contains background information and a map showing its location. Photo pairs are shown side-by-side. With the app version, images can also be viewed individually or overlaid with a curtain slider to make comparisons easier.

Users can browse through the images or select categories including cites, extreme events, ice, human impact, water, land cover, top picks, and most recent. Images can also be viewed on a map.

Librarians will find uses for the images across the curriculum including both science and social science topics and issues. Use the image pairs to jumpstart discussions or as the basis for an exploration of topics related to climate change.

Because the project is from NASA which is a government agency, students can use their images in their projects. The website contains an option to download the image and also shows how to credit the source.

To explore the website, go to http://climate.nasa.gov/state_of_flux.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/app/images-of-change/id710564941….

Tech Review: Smokey Bear Website & App

The SMOKEY BEAR website and app provide information about how you can prevent wildfires.

Sponsored by the National Association of State Foresters, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Ad Council, the website is divided into four major sections.

The WILDFIRES! area provides information about wildfire prevention, wildfire science, and fighting wildfires. These short, fact-rich pages would be effective for informational reading experiences for children. Video clips and images add to the experience. Keep track of current wildfires with the real-time wildfire map. The website also encourages users to take the “Get Your Smokey On” pledge.

The SMOKEY’S JOURNEY section provides a timeline of Smokey’s history teaching people about reducing human-caused wildfires. Users can explore posters, memorabilia, radio and television segments from the 1940s through the 2010s.

In the SMOKEY KIDS area, youth can explore Smokey’s cabin to discover facts, activities, games, and other information.

The last section features TEACHING RESOURCES for grades K-2 and 6-8. Materials include downloadable, standards aligned lessons, mini-books, and activities. Additional links are provided for more ideas and resources.

To extend the experience, explore the social media elements at Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Flickr, and Instagram.

A Smokey Bear App is available for the mobile web, Android, and iOS. The app includes a campfire safety guide and social media links.

For more information, go to the website at http://smokeybear.com/.