Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Art HD



Price: Free
Grade Recommendation: 4th and up
Subject: Art
Specific Skill: Painting
Levels: N/A
Players: N/A
For iPad, iPod, or Both: iPad

The complimentary version of this app features the following great artists: Bouguereau, Cezanne, Da Vinci, Degas, Gauguin, Homer, Kahlo, Klimt, Marc, Monet, Rembrandt, Rivera, Sargent, Turner, and Van Gogh.

For each one, students can read a biography and view replications and descriptions of the artist's paintings.

A quiz is also included where students guess "Who is the artist?". You can select to have 10, 25, or 50 questions in the quiz.

Please note that some of the paintings feature nude women and men.

This app seems to crash more than others; but it's free so you can't complain too much.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Mickey's Spooky Night Puzzle Book



Price: $0.99
Grade Recommendation: PreK - 2nd
Subject: Reading
Specific Skill: N/A
Levels: N/A
Players: N/A
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

What a cute story! Although it has a Halloween theme, children will probably enjoy the story year round. Mickey is throwing a Halloween party, but his friends are scared of noises and sights in his house. No worries - the mystery is solved and everyone winds up happy and ready to party!

"Puzzle" is in the title because some of the illustrations encourage students to put puzzle pieces in place. Other interactive elements are also included.

The book is highly customizable. You can use the 'Read to Me' option, read it yourself, or record someone's voice to read the story! You can also turn the 'Auto-turn Pages' on or off. An index is also included, making it easy to turn directly to a favorite page.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Beat the Computer - Multiplication



Price: $1.99
Grade Recommendation: 3rd - 5th
Subject: Mathematics
Specific Skill: Multiplication
Levels: 3
Players: 1
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

McGraw-Hill developed this app as a companion to its Everyday Mathematics curriculum series. In this app, students need to compute a multiplication fact (0 - 10) before the time runs out (20 seconds). The seconds left on the timer are added to the user's score. There are 20 rounds in each game.

Feedback is given for correct and incorrect answers. A complete tutorial is also included in the app.

This is a very basic app. Students will enjoy the multiplication practice it provides. But parents and teachers will long for more customization options. Skip it (especially at this price point) and instead look for an app that's much more robust.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Rock Hound



Price: $1.99
Grade Recommendation: 3rd and up
Subject: Earth Science
Specific Skill: Rocks, gems, minerals
Levels: N/A
Players: N/A
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

This is a must-have app for classrooms that study rocks, gems, and/or minerals. It's filled with many resources for rock hounds.

Sites:
Choose from two options - a map view or a list of places organized by the state they're in. The sites list the exact location - longitude, latitude, city, and state. It also lists sample rocks, gems, and/or minerals that are found there and a short description of the site. A small picture is also present.

Rocks:
Rocks, minerals, and gems are listed in alphabetical order beside their picture. Clicking on one brings up more pictures and a substantial description.

Favorites: Users can save favorite sites to this tab.

Tips:
General Info - Cleaning rocks, Tools for digging, Rock tumblers, and Permits and closures
Program Info - Using favorites, Adding your own sites, Adding your own rocks, Change map detail, and Toggle sounds
Submit Data - Submit your rocks and Submit your sites

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Phonics Tic-Tac-Toe Interactive Game



Price: Free!
Grade Recommendation: K - 2nd
Subject: Reading
Specific Skill: Phonics
Levels: N/A
Players: 2
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

Lakeshore Learning developed this impressive phonics app. Two players (or even two teams) play a tic-tac-toe game. Of course, the 'winner' is the first to get three Xs or Os in a row horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

The game board shows 9 questions. The player (or team) taps on a question, it immediately enlarges on the screen. The player/team then taps an answer.

The included 'Teacher's Notes' says the app is designed to meet the following objectives:
- Identifying blends and digraphs
- Recognizing words with the same beginning sounds
- Counting syllables in words
- Recognizing words with the same ending sounds
- Identifying sounds in words

The only downside is that the app does not read the questions (and answer choices) to the students. That's disappointing for a phonics app. But I still recommend this app be added to iPads and iPod Touches in early elementary classrooms.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Word Domino




Price: $0.99
Grade Recommendation: 2nd and up
Subject: Reading
Specific Skill: Spelling/vocabulary
Levels: 3
Players: 1
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

The goal is quite simple - build words (from a specific category - like sports) from the syllables shown. In 'classic' mode, syllables are shown on stationary dominoes. But in 'bubbles' mode, the same syllables are shown on floating bubbles - adding a little complexity to the task of making words.

Users can choose between 3 difficulty levels (1, 2, or 3 stars). In addition, you can play a 'Full Game' where categories change during the game. Or you can play a 'Training' round and pick a specific category.

Categories: wild animals, farm animals, musical instruments, the house, furniture, weather, colors, fruits, vegetables, trees, flowers, seaside, clothes, transport, DIY, sports, food and drinks, fishes, verbs, and the human body.

Users may even choose the preferred language - from English, French, Spanish, or German. The app also keeps track of high scores in both game modes.

This is one of the rare apps that's appropriate for an elementary, middle, or high school classroom. At this price point, it's highly recommended!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Divisibility Dash



Price: $1.99
Grade Recommendation: 3rd - 5th
Subject: Math
Specific Skill: Divisibility
Levels: 1
Players: 1
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

This app is developed by McGraw-Hill and is meant to compliment their Everyday Mathematics series.

This app tackles the skill of divisibility - or multiples of numbers. A divisor (up to 10) is given. Students then have to click on two number globes that will make a multiple of that divisor. For example, for a divisor of 2 they can click on 1 then 8 to make 18.

If students make a number that's not a multiple, the globes they used will lock. Once all the globes reach the top of the box, the game is over.

A comprehensive and helpful 'How to play' component is included.

Overall, I'm disappointed with McGraw-Hill's series of Everyday Mathematics-based apps. At this price point, I'd like to see the apps cover more than one particular skill or even cover one specific skill at multiple levels.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Equivalent Fractions




Price: $1.99
Grade Recommendation: 3rd - 5th
Subject: Math
Specific Skill: Fractions
Levels: 1
Players: 1
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

This is another app developed by McGraw-Hill that compliments its Everyday Mathematics series. Students in classrooms that utilize this curriculum will find the fraction cards quite familiar.

Students should already be familiar with basic fractions before attempting the activity found in this app. The object is to match cards that show equivalent fractions - for example, 2/3 and 6/9. The fraction cards use horizontal bars and shading to 'show' the fraction. The numerator and denominator are also written on each card. Students can use a finger to temporarily move the cards in order to compare them side by side.

Points are earned by making a match; users earn even more points by making two or matches in a row (without clicking the Draw Pile to reveal more cards).

This is one of my least favorite types of paid app - one that only addresses one specific skill. However, it's still recommended - especially for classrooms that utilize the Everyday Mathematics series.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Word Seek HD




Price: 99 cents
Grade Recommendation: 3rd and up
Subject: Language Arts
Specific Skill: Spelling, vocabulary
Levels: 1
Players: 1 - 2
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both (called Word Seek Social for iPod)

Please note that this game is tied to Apple's Game Center. One person can play without signing in, but that needs to be done if two people play against each other (via the 'Challenge' option on the main menu). (I assume you have to sign in to the Game Center for the iPod Touch version.)

This app is quite appropriately titled - users seek for words amongst given letters. The letters can either be arranged in a 4x4 or 5x5 array. When users find a word, they drag the letters in order (horizontally, vertically, and/or diagonally) and release to 'make' it. The letters do not change at all during the course of a game. Each found word earns points based on the letters it's comprised of. Besides customizing the board size, users can also select a 3, 4, or 5 minute time limit or get rid of the time constraint altogether.

After each game, the app displays your total score and your personal best. But it also displays the number and percent of words found out of the total that were possible for that game. It also displays the lengthy list of all possible words.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Addition Top It



Price: $1.99
Grade Recommendation: K - 2nd
Subject: Math
Specific Skill: Addition
Levels: 1
Players: 2
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

This app is developed by McGraw-Hill and is related to its Everyday Mathematics curriculum series. Students in classrooms that utilize Everyday Mathematics will find this app quite familiar.

Students 'deal' each player two cards from the deck. Then each player adds the two numbers together and compares their sum to the other player's sum by taking turns clicking on the arrow that points to the greater sum (or clicking the 'tie' button). Points are earned for entering correct sums, correctly comparing sums, and having the higher sum.

I find this app too simple to warrant the price tag. It's unusual for an app at this price point to only offer one operation - addition. Also, the highest equation students will encounter is 9 + 9, since they are only adding a one-digit number to a one-digit number. There are many more apps available that do a lot more.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Letter of the Day Interactive Activities



Price: Free!
Grade Recommendation: PreK - 1st
Subject: Reading
Specific Skill: Letter recognition
Levels: 1
Players: 1
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

This app was developed by one of my favorite 'teacher stores' - Lakeshore Learning. Its colorful and simple format is quite appealing. Users start by choosing any letter of the alphabet to complete the 'All About ______' sentence at the top of the screen. Students can began exploring the chosen letter by reading and/or listening to the provided chant.

"Kim does karate kicks at the Kansas Zoo. /k/ /k/ /k/ Keep kicking, Kim!"

Around the chant box are four mystery boxes. In each one, students have to touch the picture that shows an object that starts with the chosen letter. The pictures have the words written on them and the device reads the name of the object when the picture is touched.

Selecting the 'more' arrow at the bottom right-hand corner of the screen provides students with the opportunity to trace the letter several times. A virtual eraser is included with the activity.

This app is a fantastic choice for use with students working on recognizing and writing letters.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Pictorial HD



Price: Free
Grade Recommendation: 3rd and up
Subject: Art
Specific Skill: Spatial reasoning
Levels: 2
Players: 1
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

This beautiful and soothing app is simply complex! Each scene requires the user to use a finger to turn a seemingly random group of dots different ways. Eventually, light lines appear to connect the dots; the lines become darker the closer you get to revealing the picture. Soon after, the dots and lines arrange themselves into a clear picture.

New levels and scenes are unlocked as you move forward. Also, points scored depends on how quickly you reveal the picture.

This app may be frustrating for some students. But those who enjoy the challenge spatial reasoning activities bring will appreciate this one!

Monday, November 7, 2011

Toontastic



Price: Free!
Grade Recommendation: K - 5th
Subject: Storytelling
Specific Skill: Writing
Levels: N/A
Players: N/A
For iPad, iPod, or Both: iPad

Think of this fun app as a digital puppet show! It's quite easy for students to turn a story into a cartoon by capturing their voice and animation. The free original version comes with an acceptable number of characters, background music, and scenes. However in-app purchases add additional elements. Finished cartoons can be shared via ToonTube (http://toontube.launchpadtoys.com/).

I suggest encouraging users to plan out their story before beginning the animation process in this app. It's best if they use the Story Arc already embedded in the app. However, the app also allows for scenes to be deleted and added to the Story Arc.

Setup - Introduce the characters and story setting
Conflict - Create a problem for your main character
Challenge - Make the problem even more difficult
Climax - Help the main character solve the problem
Resolution - Show that the problem has been settled

Once they are ready to create their cartoon, they'll first need to choose a setting or draw their own. They'll do the same thing for characters. Next, they'll start recording animation by using their fingers to move the characters and record the oral version of the story. They'll then select background music from the choices given. The process continues for each scene that's part of their Story Arc.

This app is highly recommended, even if you don't supplement it with any in-app purchases. It's a treat to witness the creativity and imagination that goes into turning stories into digital cartoons!

Sunday, November 6, 2011

MathBlaster HyperBlast



Price: Free!
Grade Recommendation: 1st and up
Subject: Math
Specific Skill: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
Levels: 3
Players: 1
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

This app provides the best of both worlds for children - playing a fun and interactive game while also learning! Students travel through a simulated tunnel, blasting targets and dodging obstacles along the way. Every so often, they have to stop to solve a series of mathematical equations in order to continue.

There are 6 mathematical topics to choose from for each game:
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Addition/subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
- Multiplication/division

The game is aesthetically-pleasing; the graphics are quite impressive (so is the audio). Users tilt the iPad (or iPod Touch) to steer through the tunnel - making it excellent for the kinesthetic learner. This game is highly recommended!

Friday, November 4, 2011

Compass for iPad




Price: Free!
Grade Recommendation: 2nd and up
Subject: Science
Specific Skill: Navigation
Levels: N/A
Players: N/A
For iPad, iPod, or Both: iPad

This compass app is quite useful if you plan to do any navigation work with your students. The north and south markers are most clear. But the rest of the marks on a traditional compass rose also appear. Longitude and latitude information appears as well.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Show Me



Price: Free!
Grade Recommendation: All
Subject: All
Specific Skill: N/A
Levels: N/A
Players: N/A
For iPad, iPod, or Both: iPad

I love this app! It's quite similar to Screen Chomp. Simply put, it's a recordable whiteboard app (sometimes called a slate).

It only comes with a choice of 7 colors of ink. But I actually find that sometimes less is more when it comes to customizing something like that. Users can choose to use the eraser tool or clear the entire slate. An 'undo' option is also present. The background can either be white or a picture you either take on the spot or import from your photo album.

You don't have to use the recording (audio and visual) option, but the button to start/stop recording is conveniently located on the bottom right corner of the app. Recorded work can then be uploaded to www.showme.com. At this point you have two options.

1. "Personal - Can be shared with anyone who you give a link to."
2. "Public - Share your ShowMe with the community and teach the world!"

It's quite easy to create an account on www.showme.com; a step you'll need to do no matter what option above you choose.

This app comes highly recommended. Grab it today from the App Store, you have nothing to lose and everything to show!

Media Slate Pro



Price: $1.99
Grade Recommendation: All
Subject: All
Specific Skill: N/A
Levels: N/A
Players: N/A
For iPad, iPod, or Both: iPad

This app's developers tout it as a way to turn an iPad into an interactive whiteboard. This is true ONLY if you are the type of educator who views the expensive interactive whiteboard as simply a glorified dry erase board.

Simply put, this app is just a slate.

Users can choose between a regular, dotted, or straight line to draw and/or write. They can change the line's thickness and color. I am impressed with the color choices; the entire palette is available, not just a few select colors. They can also change the background color or even use a saved photo as the background.

The final product can be saved to the photo album or the iPad's clipboard (for pasting later elsewhere). It can also be shared via email (or Facebook and Twitter).

If money is a factor, skip this slate app. I'm aware of two others - Show Me and Screen Chomp - that not only work as a slate, but are recordable too! I can't believe a paid app claiming to be an interactive whiteboard substitute does not have that option.