Issue 126
Term 3 2023
Website and app reviews
Nigel Paull reviews the latest 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.
Access Mars
https://accessmars.withgoogle.com
A joint development between Google and NASA, Access Mars enables users to explore a 3D replica of the planet’s surface as recorded by the Curiosity Rover. Key points are regarding the geology of the surface are analysed.
SCIS no: 5453234
Australian Human Rights Commission: Students
https://humanrights.gov.au/education/students
Students are encouraged to explore the concept of human rights, with a particular emphasis on children’s rights. Accompanying videos created for primary students delve into human rights relating to refugees, gender and identity, and people with disabilities.
SCIS no: 5453264
Geogebra 3D Calculator
https://www.geogebra.org/3d?lang=en
One of a series of graphing, geometry, and calculator apps from GeoGebra, this app is used to graph 3D functions, plot surfaces, and do 3D geometry. Results can be saved and shared. This free app is available to suit most devices.
SCIS no: 5453311
Digital Giza: the Giza project at Harvard University
This absorbing website allows students to explore in 3D many facets of ancient Egypt and the Giza Plateau in particular. The website includes lesson plans, an overview of people and places, a glossary, and the video library.
SCIS no: 5453331
Math Fluency with Sports: + -
https://apps.apple.com/au/app/math-fluency-with-sports/id1493033670
Available for IOS and Android this maths practice app uses a sports theme as the basis for improving addition and subtraction skills. In total the app features eleven levels suitable for students in stages 1-3.
SCIS no: 5453372
Minerals in Modern Techology
https://artsandculture.google.com/story/minerals-in-modern-technology/NwJyXJ5v2kQnLg
A development between Google Arts & Culture and Geoscience Australia, this authoritative website features information, photos, maps, and diagrams regarding the increasingly important minerals used in new and innovative technologies.
SCIS no: 5453385
The New Zealand Wars
https://natlib.govt.nz/schools/teaching-and-learning-resources/nz-wars
Ngā Pakanga o Aotearoa/The New Zealand Wars is the focus of this comprehensive website published by the National Library of NZ. Learning resources may be filtered and cover campaigns, the long-lasting impacts of the wars on Māori, primary sources, articles, videos, and audio.
SCIS no: 5453437
NGA: For Teachers and Students
https://nga.gov.au/learn/for-teachers-students/
Emanating from the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) this resource aims to assist teachers planning either a physical excursion or a digital excursion to the NGA. Details of programs, teacher professional development opportunities, learning resources, publications, and conferences are available.
SCIS no: 5453472
Moneysmart Lesson Plans
https://moneysmart.gov.au/teaching/lesson-plans
In collaboration with ACARA and aligned to the Australian Curriculum Version 9.0, Moneysmart's lesson plans are engaging activities that bring everyday financial topics into the classroom.
SCIS no: 5453491