ALCOS 2nd Grade Social Studies Standard #6:
Identify states, continents, oceans, and the equator using maps, globes, and technology.
• Identifying map elements, including title, legend, compass rose, and scale
• Identifying the intermediate directions of northeast, southeast, northwest, and southwest
• Recognizing technological resources such as a virtual globe, satellite images, and radar
• Locating points on a grid
App #1: Barefoot World Atlas
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/app-reviews/barefoot-world-atlas
This app allows the user to “fly” around an interactive globe. The app highlights different wonders of the world. The cost for the app is $4.99. The app is rated for ages 4+. I think it is intended for students that can read independently. The app is compatible with iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. I included a review from Common Sense Media, which has become a credible source for all things related to technology and education.
App #2: Google Earth
https://kidworldcitizen.org/explore-our-world-through-google-earth/
This app allows the user to explore our Earth from above using satellite imagery. It offers 3D images of land and landmarks. You can also zoom to your house for a 360° perspective with Street View. The app is free and is rated for ages 4+. The app is compatible with iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. I included a review of the app from the website, www.kidworldcitizen.org. The author of the article is both an educator and a mom, which speaks to her credibility.
App #3: Geo Walk - World Factbook 3D
Geo Walk is an interactive globe model. It contains articles on various topics, placed on the Earth, with respect to their location. The app does not require internet access to work. The cost for the app is $2.99. It is rated for ages 4+ and really lends itself to the elementary student. The app is compatible with iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and Apple TV. I included a review from the website, www.educationalappstore.com. This website gives 3rd party reviews on different educational apps and is often used by educators.
Although I would use all three apps in my classroom, I think that the Geo Walk HD app is the best app for teaching this standard. The app is affordable and doesn’t require internet access to use. That is a wonderful option considering connectivity at my school can sometimes be sketchy. I love the captivating graphics on this app and the fact that it has a “quiz mode” for students. This app has the most kid-friendly presentation of the three, which is excellent for my second graders.
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ReplyDeleteI am also a fan of the Geo Walk HD App. My daughter has used the app in one her classes before. I absolutely loved the ability of being able to use the app when there is no internet connection. I really like apps that allow students to be assessed on the content within the app. I also like google earth. It is great to the be able to give someone directions to a location and give them a 360 view of the actual location. Google earth is great way to show people recent pictures of places that they travel to or may never travel to. It is also an easy tool that younger students would be able to use independently.
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