Issue 120
Term 1 2022
Website and app reviews
Reviews of new educational apps and websites by teacher librarian Nigel Paull
Aboriginal & Torres Straight Islander Mathematics Alliance
ATSIMA is an Indigenous-led charity that seeks to develop innovative techniques and resources to enhance the teaching of mathematics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Content includes professional learning, resources, events and news.
SCIS no: 5389501
eSafety Commisioner
Revised and updated, this valuable resource offers students, parents and teachers important information about the ever-changing topic of online safety. Matters covered include information on staying safe online during COVID-19, technology trends, protecting those most at risk, and toolkits for schools.
SCIS no: 1829638
Puppet Pals 2
apps.apple.com/au/app/puppet-pals-%202/id589141096
Students using this app can develop their own puppet theatre. The app allows students to manipulate characters, devise settings, record plays, add voices and share with others. The app can also be used to enhance language skills, and to present instructional videos or reports. (Note: includes in-app purchases.)
SCIS no: 5389505
Australia over time
australian.museum/learn/australiaover- time
This website developed by the Australian Museum offers a comprehensive range of information and resources regarding the evolving Australian landscape, megafauna and other extinct animals, and palaeontology. It also promotes links to the museum’s palaeontology and minerology collections.
SCIS no: 5389565
Guide to democracy
guidetodemocracy.ecq.qld.gov.au
Guide to democracy was developed to encourage students’ critical thinking skills, enhance their knowledge of the key institutions of Australia’s democratic government, and to assist them in becoming betterinformed and active citizens. Explicit teaching modules are a feature.
SCIS no: 5389697
Scienceworks at home
museumsvictoria.com.au/scienceworks/at-home
Students unable to visit Museum Victoria’s Scienceworks can use this website to embark on virtual tours of exhibitions, listen to museum experts and undertake a variety of science- related activities. The curriculum-aligned resources are graded according to year levels.
SCIS no: 5389641
Bullying Free NZ
All members of the school community will find pertinent information about bullying prevention on this NZ Government website. Units deal with what bullying is, types of bullying, preventing bullying, responding to bullying and available resources.
SCIS no: 5389576
Jackie French
All members of the school community will find pertinent information about bullying prevention on this NZ Government website. Units deal with what bullying is, types of bullying, preventing bullying, responding to bullying and available resources.
SCIS no: 5389576
Tune in
There are 48 standalone activities on this website that encourage student exploration of orchestral works from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods. Music written for children by living Australian composers is also featured. Each activity includes audio, video, background information and a quiz.
SCIS no: 5389685
Discover STEM learning resources
The Royal Institution of Australia is ‘dedicated to connecting people with the world of science’. The content of its website focuses on making available quality, free STEM resources aligned to the Australian Curriculum for Foundation–12 teachers and students.
SCIS no: 5389735
Ology
This authoritative American Museum of Natural History website gives students the opportunity to delve into a diverse range of interesting science topics. From anthropology to zoology, each ‘ology’ offers games, videos, stories and handson activities for primary school students.
SCIS no: 5389628
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 and content of these sites are subject to change.
Nigel Paull
Teacher Librarian, North Coast, NSW