SSE6115 Kristen Logel

Internet and App Resources Summer 17

Thematic Unit: The World around Us

Internet Sources:

Best Apps for Kids. (n.d.). Thanksgiving apps. Retrieved from

https://www.bestappsforkids.com/category/characters-themes/thanksgiving-apps-
characters-themes/

This website lists a variety of interactive applications that can be used to teach students
about Thanksgiving. The applications range from teaching students about the history of
thanksgiving, Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, and what Thanksgiving means. These apps will be
used to engage students in learning about thanksgiving, and motivating them to stay focused on
the topic.

Levin, V. (2017). Mardi Gras activities for preschool. Retrieved from

http://www.pre-kpages.com/mardi-gras-activities-for-preschool/

This website provides a multitude of fun hands-on activities for students to learn about
Mardi Gras, or for teachers who need Mardi Gras themed activities to go along with their lesson
plan. There are also links to other websites and blogs embedded within this page for additional
resources and activities. This would be a good resource for teachers who want to add a hands-on
arts and crafts project, or supplemental activity to teach about Mardi Gras.
[Nancy Nguyen]. (2015, November 18). Story of Thanksgiving (with subtitles). [video file]
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBxZKWjWRNs

This is a three minute video clip about the story of Thanksgiving as told by the character
Plymouth Rock. This video would be used as an introduction to the Thanksgiving holiday for
any students who may not know the true meaning behind Thanksgiving or who is unfamiliar
with the holiday itself.

[Shaina Soderstrom]. (2015, March 19). Compass cha-cha to the cupid shuffle by Cupid [video
file] Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvGD-KlYjXg

This is a video that was posted by a teacher to help students engage, and understand the
concepts of the cardinal points. The students dance to the cha-cha slide and change the words
left, right, front and back to East, West, North, and South respectively. This video would be used
to introduce the cardinal points to students, and the musical, and kinesthetic aspect will help
them to understand what they are learning, as well as have fun learning it.

This Reading Mama. (2015). 4 seasons flip book {2 free levels}. Retrieved from
http://thisreadingmama.com/4-seasons-flip-book-free/

This website describes an activity which can be used to teach students about the four (4)
different seasons in the United States. The students cut and paste different items, by matching
what they can do during those seasons, to what they can wear, and build a little flip book with
the corresponding items. This activity can be used after the engaging stage so that students will
explore, and better understand the concept of the different seasons, while motivating them to do
so.
Iphone/Android Apps:
Google Inc. (2017). Google Art & Culture. (5.0.3) [Android]. Retrieved from:
https://play.google.com/store/apps

Google Art & Culture is a great app that allows for students to experience different types
of stories created by user. They are able to view art, locations, and videos. This app is not meant
for kids in the sense that it has a more kid friendly database. However, it is a great tool for
teachers to be able to use and provide scaffolding for the students. By searching a subject stories
pull up and you are able to explore at your own pace. The app is available for free through
google play and iTunes. Furthermore, it can be view through the website
www.google.com/culturalinstitute/beta if no smart device is available. This app should be used
in a guided manner, the teacher should also have reviewed what will be looked up before and add
stories or images to their favorites for easy viewing. One of the ways that this can be used is to
show images for students events like Holi, Obon, and Carnaval which are holidays they might
not know a lot about. For instance, The Shade of Holi provides images that students can connect
and be able to discuss as a class what they are seeing. They also offer a video with the images
moving which would give all students a better idea of what was happening visually.
Kid Weather. (2012). Just in Weather, LLC. (Version #) [Mobile application software] Retrieved
from http://itunes.apple.com

This app is available for download on Google Play, iTunes, and AmazonAppStore for
$1.99. It is a kid-friendly app that could be used during an exploration phase in a lesson plan.
The app allows children to examine the current weather patterns in any geographical location. It
also teaches students about the weather through a kid or animated animal character. It provides
trivia questions, fun facts, and safety tips about weather conditions.

Planet Factory Interactive S.L. (2016). Kids World Atlas. (1.7) [Mobile application software].
Retrieved from http://itunes.apple.com

Kids World Atlas- Geography Games & Learning Maps by Planet Factory Interactive is a
Geography App that is reviewed at 3 out of 5 stars. It says it is a free app with in-app purchase
opportunities, however, it is divided into categories and the only free category is learning about
animals around the world. Each other category is $1.99 or $4.99 for all. It is for kids age 7 and
above and is presented in English, but the language feature can be changed to Spanish, French,
German, Italian, Portuguese, Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian, and Catalan.. This app requires iOS
6.0 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Kids can learn about the world
through a fun, interactive app with 42 games and activities along with 200 pictures of our planet.
Kids can learn about; lakes and oceans, mountains and volcanoes, rivers, earth ecosystems,
climates, animals, world curiosities, world heritage sites. The app includes facts, figures,
pictures, videos, and games about earth. This app will be used to engage students in learning
about the world utilizing the interactive features of the app. It can be used in the exploration
phase of a lesson plan or as supplemental material in the classroom. The class can explore the
content together on a smartboard, or students can work individually or in groups on iPads. The
teacher can display the app on a smartboard during the Explore phase of the lesson while guiding
students through discussion. The teacher or students can click on each element as they come
across it which will provide an additional visual aid to the lesson while also keeping students
engaged.
Squz Pty Ltd. (2016). Your World (3.1.4) [Mobile application software]. Retrieved from
http://itunes.apple.com

Your World is a globe app to learn about different countries, capital cities, landmarks of
the world, and U.S. states. It was designed for kids ages 4+ and is free, with in-app purchases.
This app requires iOS 6.0 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Through
this app, kids can place countries, territories, landmarks, and cities onto a 3D globe. It provides
calming music and a realistic globe feel. The globe can be manipulated by swiping, pinch-
zooming, and moving it around with your fingers. Links are also provided for further information
on all countries and territories. Students will be engaged in learning about our world with the
interactive features of this app. It can be used during the Explore phase of a lesson plan or as
supplemental classroom material. It can be utilized in whole-class or individual settings. In a
whole-class setting, the teacher can have the app displayed on a smartboard. As the class is lead
through a discussion about different countries, students can take turns going to the front and
locating the country on the map. It can bring another visual element to the lesson. The app can
also be used as an individual activity for supplemental material or when a student finishes early.
They can remain engaged in the lesson while getting an additional or advanced review. It could
help differentiate learning.

Zabuza Labs. (2014). Save Holi Save Nature Game. (1.2) [Android] retrieved from:
https://play.google.com/store/apps

Save Holi Save Nature Game is a free app available from the android store. This one of
the downsides of the app is that is only available on android devices. This app gives a brief
overview of what Holi is but also explains how Holi affects the natural world. Students are able
to play the game to save trees from being burned down. The app has two parts one that explains
that during Holi they will light fires at night and that can lead to deforestation. You as the player
are equipped with a special water suit to put out fires. If used during the Holi unit students can
play the game and we can discuss how sometimes even positive celebrations can cause adverse
side effects. This can help students understand that while holidays are important to us we must
also be aware of how it can cause adverse effects on the nature. This could open up a discussion
about ways that we can do our part in conservation efforts. We can also discuss how we can have
more environmentally safe celebrations.