Technology Review: Brains On!

BRAINS ON! is a website containing engaging science podcasts for youth.

Produced by MPR News and Southern California Public Radio, these short, informative podcasts ask and answer fascinating science questions. While some podcasts interview experts and scientists, others are presented in the form of plays or songs. Each podcasts is co-hosted by a different child.

Users can listen to the latest podcast or explore archived programs. Children can also go directly to a list of podcasts focusing on interviews, music, activities, or audio.

Librarians will find that children enjoy the website’s approach to presenting science information. Use these podcasts to inspire teachers and children to create their own class programs.

To visit the website, go to http://www.brainson.org/.

Technology Review: Find Sounds

FIND SOUNDS is an easy-to-use search engine for locating sound files.

From sound effects for use in podcasts to bird calls for science projects, Find Sounds is useful for locating a wide range of sound files. Users can locate audio files by file format, number of channels, resolution, and sample rate.

The website provides a useful page of example searches for topics such as animals, birds, holidays, household, insects, mayhem, musical instruments, nature, office, people, sports, tools, vehicles, and entertainment.

Librarians will find this tool to be useful when working on audio projects with students. Use the search engine to locate file types that can then be edited using software such as Audacity.

Keep in mind that the website doesn’t include an option for identifying copyright information so students should check out each individual sound to determine how they might be used and the process for providing credit for use.

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

Technology Review: Audiosear.ch

AUDIOSEAR.CH is a search tool that helps users locate podcasts and radio programs.

Whether seeking a professional development program or children’s radio broadcast, this search tool helps users find useful audio programming. Users can search phrases, shows, topics, networks, or people. The tool provides a full text search as well as recommendation API for podcasts and radio.

In addition to the search engine, users can also see what’s trending on Twitter and popular with their reviewers.

Librarians should keep in mind that this resource isn’t specifically designed for students. However, it’s a useful tool for youth seeking an alternative to text-based information and print literature. Also, consider using it in working with at-risk and special needs students who may benefit from using their auditory senses for learning. Consider signing up for their Pod-A-Day podcast that provides podcast recommendations.

To try a search, go to https://www.audiosear.ch/.

Website Review: Lightyear.FM

LIGHTYEAR.FM takes users on a journey through space, time, and music.

This amazing immersive experience demonstrates how far radio broadcast waves have traveled from the Earth over the past century. The default option takes users backwards through time beginning in 2015. Users hear short segments from popular music as they speed away from the Earth in light years.

The interactive site allows students to select the distance from Earth as well as click on celestial objects.

Librarians will find this easy-to-use website a fascinating way to help students understand space, time, and human broadcast history. Pair the website with books that explore these topics.

To visit the website, go to http://www.lightyear.fm/.