Website and app reviews

By Nigel Paull

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.


Anzac correspondent

https://apps.apple.com/au/app/anzac-correspondent/id1469171280

SCIS: 5426791

Students may direct their own learning with this free augmented reality app from the Queensland Museum Network. By using a smartphone or tablet, students can select photos and stories from Australians across the battlefields of the First World War. They can then assemble these into their own downloadable newspaper articles.

Crime Stoppers: Civics & Citizenship Resources

https://education.crimestoppers.com.au

SCIS: 5426795

This comprehensive Civics and Citizenship resource has been developed for teachers of students in years 7 to 10. The focus units are aligned to the Australian Curriculum, relate to Australia’s democracy and legal system, and include theme packs to download.

Frogid

https://apps.apple.com/au/app/frogid/id1176329797

SCIS: 5426811

The Australian Museum, in partnership with IBM and several other natural history museums, has developed a citizen science frog identification app. Participants can upload frog details to the Australian Museum frog experts for species verification.

Know your drone

https://www.casa.gov.au/knowyourdrone/ 

SCIS: 5409406

Flying drones has become an increasingly popular pastime for primary and secondary students. The resources available from the CASA website are aligned to the Australian Curriculum and aim to enhance student understanding  of drone safety and regulations.

NASA Science: Humans in Space

https://apps.apple.com/au/app/nasa-science-humans-in-space/id1469118438

SCIS: 5426822

This free app delves into the properties of microgravity in space. The object is to berth a transfer vehicle to the International Space Station while experiencing the effects of microgravity. Also available on Google Play.

National Portrait Gallery

https://www.portrait.gov.au/ 

SCIS: 1037747

The National Portrait Gallery in Canberra runs educational programs for students who visit the gallery or undertake a virtual tour. The virtual tours are conducted by an educator over Zoom. Learning resources are designed for classroom use and are available via Google Arts & Culture.

NSW State Emergency Services for Schools

https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/for-schools/

SCIS: 5426876

Divided into primary and secondary sections, this important resource offers AC curriculum-aligned material focused on water and flood risks. The Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley is used as an example. An additional section details the process of flood-prone schools developing emergency management plans.

Penguin Science

https://penguinscience.com

SCIS: 5426896

This absorbing website investigates Antarctica’s Adélie penguins and their response to climate and ecosystem change. Features include current and past research programs, daily pictures of the colony, classroom activities and resources including videos, and interviews with scientists in the field.

Pick your plate!

https://apps.apple.com/au/app/pick-your-plate/id1471647935

SCIS: 5426909

Healthy meals from around the world are the focus of this interesting free app devised by the Smithsonian Institution. Students must balance nutritional goals against a budget. Aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Resilience to Nature's Challenges

https://resiliencechallenge.nz

SCIS: 5426955

This NZ website focuses on the interplay of social science, physical science, engineering research  and mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) to lessen the impact  of future natural hazards. Topics include coastal flooding, early warning systems, wildfire challenges, infrastructure management, and seismic landslides.

The Wesfarmers Collection of Australian Art

https://www.wesfarmersart.com.au

SCIS: 5426959

 The Wesfarmers Collection contains more than 1,000 works of art by Australian and New Zealander artists dating from the 1800s through to the present day. Works include painting, sculpture, photography and digital media. Teachers and students can search the collection by keywords, artist or medium.

Nigel Paull

Teacher Librarian

North Coast NSW