Issue 122
Term 3 2022
Website and app reviews
Nigel Paull reviews the lastest educational websites and apps you can use in your library. The websites and apps selected for review are often of a professional nature and should be initially viewed by teachers and library staff to determine suitability for students. The links, content and address of these sites are subject to change.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander curricula
https://indigenousknowledge.unimelb.edu.au/curriculum
An initiative of the University of Melbourne, this website ‘aims to empower teachers to integrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures into their teaching’. The curriculum resources are searchable by KLA and the themes are water, fire and astronomy.
SCIS no: 1992685
Bright Tomorrows
https://apps.apple.com/au/app/bright-tomorrows/id1474778931
Developed in partnership with the Minderoo Foundation’s Thrive by Five and Telethon Kids Institute, Bright Tomorrows encourages parents to support babies and young children to grow and learn. Designed to help build children’s brains in key areas, the information presented aims to be simple, presentable and fun. Also available on Google Play.
SCIS no: 5415546
Climate kids
Devised by NASA, this engrossing climate science website is suitable for Stage 3 (Years 5–6) students. The content covers weather and climate, the greenhouse effect, energy, animals, the atmosphere, water and the NASA missions which harvest the data.
SCIS no: 1794257
Inclusive education
‘The New Zealand Curriculum and Te Marautanga o Aotearoa require that all students’ identities, languages, cultures, abilities, and talents are recognised,’ is the idea that underpins this program. This NZ Ministry of Education initiative outlines the key aspects of an inclusive learning community and the guides on how to recognise, plan and meet the needs of diverse learners.
SCIS no: 5415562
Kokoda VR
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.net.abc.kokoda.vr
Emanating from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, this virtual-reality resource tells the story of the WWII Kokoda Track campaign. Content is linked to Year 10 of the Australian History Curriculum, and features include historical interviews, museum artefacts and videos. Available from the App Store.
SCIS no: 5415573
London Institute for Mathematical Science (LIMS)
The highly regarded LIMS site encourages its scientists to pursue curiosity-driven research into mathematics, physics and the theoretical sciences. This exemplary website offers clear and concise content of the scientists’ varied discoveries.
SCIS no: 5415589
National Trust
https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/
The National Trust offers teachers a collection of resources pertaining to Australia’s natural, historic and Indigenous heritage. The education programs meet national curriculum standards and are stage-specific. Most programs are related to site visits, although several 3D interactive activities can be undertaken.
SCIS no: 1158328
Snowy Hydro virtual excursion
The Snowy Hydro scheme is the focus of this virtual fieldwork excursion. The site uses oral histories, archival film, photographs and industry experts to explore the history, function and impact of the scheme. Renewable energy and Snowy Hydro 2.0 are also investigated.
SCIS no: 5415612
Sydney Jewish Museum
https://sydneyjewishmuseum.com.au
The Sydney Jewish Museum ‘gives history a voice through collecting and preserving historic objects, commemorating and educating, with a mission to challenge visitors’ perceptions of morality, social justice, democracy and human rights’. Included are details of exhibitions, Holocaust survivor biographies, virtual tours, school excursions, and curriculum-aligned teaching resources.
SCIS no: 5415625
Wacki – fun youth group games
https://funyouthgroupgames.com
This website offers an introduction to a variety of indoor and outdoor games suitable for groups. A selection of ‘energiser’ games for revitalising students in the classroom, or as lesson breaks, are a valuable addition. Additional games involve a fee, details of which are present when downloading the app from Google Play and the App Store.
SCIS no: 5415653
Wind tunnel free
https://apps.apple.com/au/app/wind-tunnel-free/id381971296
Science students can turn their IOS or Android devices into a wind tunnel simulator with this app from the App Store or Google Play. They can experiment with different obstacles and recognise how an obstacle’s shape, size and profile affect aerodynamic principles. This version is free, with extra features available for an additional fee.
SCIS no: 5415661
Nigel Paull
Teacher Librarian
North Coast, NSW