 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Science360 for iPad
Common Sense Media says
Amazing free app sparks imagination and learning.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Science 360 is a free, high-quality science and engineering news and information app published by the National Science Foundation. The scores of videos here -- including scientists interacting with jellyfish or mathematicians studying how snakes move to help create new mechanical engineering programs -- will appeal to science- and nature-loving kids. Others features, like text-only segments about motorized nanocars or computer charged density of FeO, may be too esoteric for most younger kids or teens who aren't science minded. Users can share what they find here via Facebook, Twitter, and email.
What kids can learn
Kids can learn about a wide variety of science, nature, space, and engineering topics, presented in videos, photos, and text. Kids can also discover the world of scientists and research centers, and they'll find links to more information. Younger kids may only want to watch the videos, as the text in many segments contains high-level vocabulary and complex sentences. The app is engaging, but would be even more so with quizzes or other interactive options. The world of science is at kids' fingertips, but interactivity is limited and detail may be overwhelming.
Skills
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Creativity
- Emotional Development
- Health & Fitness
- Responsibility & Ethics
- Self-Direction
- Tech Skills
- Thinking & Reasoningasking questions, investigation, thinking critically
Is it any good?
Downloading SCIENCE 360 is like introducing your kids to the brightest minds and the most interesting work currently being done in a variety of science, math, and engineering fields around the world. Younger kids may only want to watch the videos, as the text in many of the segments contains higher-level vocabulary. But there is something here to learn for anyone of almost any age. The fact that this app will hold your kid's attention (or yours) for hours on end is not surprising. What is incredible is that it's free.
What kids can learn
Kids can learn about a wide variety of science, nature, space, and engineering topics, presented in videos, photos, and text. Kids can also discover the world of scientists and research centers, and they'll find links to more information. Younger kids may only want to watch the videos, as the text in many segments contains high-level vocabulary and complex sentences. The app is engaging, but would be even more so with quizzes or other interactive options. The world of science is at kids' fingertips, but interactivity is limited and detail may be overwhelming.
Subjects
- Arts:
- Hobbies:
- Language & Reading:
- Math:
- Science: biology, chemistry, physics
- Social Studies:
Skills
- Collaboration:
- Communication:
- Creativity:
- Emotional Development:
- Health & Fitness:
- Responsibility & Ethics:
- Self-Direction:
- Tech Skills:
- Thinking & Reasoning: asking questions, investigation, thinking critically
How kids will learn
Kids can watch and read about cutting-edge science in this app, which often shows the relevance of science topics to everyday life or school subjects. For example, one video illustrates physics laws by describing how a puck moves during a hockey game. The app enables kids to share the information they've learned via social networking or in multimedia school reports.
How parents can help
- Watch videos or read stories on this site with your kid and note the diversity of the scientists, conveying that anyone can be a scientist.
- Talk about ways science impacts daily life. For example, one segment talks about how science can help you track your energy usage via smartphone. How could you use this kind of data in your home?
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| Category: | Education |
| Platforms: | iPad |
| Price: | Free |
| Size: | 11.10 MB |
| Publisher: | National Science Foundation |
| Version: | 1.0 |
| Release date: | June 8, 2011 |
| Minimum software requirements: | iOS 4.2 or later |
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