Issue 133
Term 2, 2025
Website and app reviews
Nigel Paull wraps up nearly three decades of digital resource reviews for SCIS, leaving a lasting impact on Connections.
With this issue of Connections, we mark a quiet but meaningful milestone: the final website and app reviews article by Nigel Paull. No need to worry! SCIS will continue to bring you website and app reviews in future editions.
Nigel first wrote for Connections on becoming its editor in 1998, a time when dial-up modems still warbled like a cyborg learning to yodel and the idea of curating educational websites was a somewhat novel proposition. Since then, he has written reviews for countless websites (and later, apps) bringing both discernment and concision to the task of guiding school library staff through an
ever-expanding digital landscape.
Across nearly three decades, Nigel has helped SCIS build an immense and trusted collection of catalogue records for highquality digital resources. His reviews have consistently balanced clarity with care, and helped educators discover tools that support teaching, engage students and broaden access to information. It’s hard to overstate how much his contributions have shaped and added value to SCIS. From all of us at SCIS, thank you, Nigel, for your insight, your voice and your long-standing commitment to the school library profession. We wish you all the very best.
Labxchange
Harvard University, in conjunction with 175 other institutions, has created an immense database of free science content. Searchable by subject, media, and year level (from Year 5 to Year 12 and beyond).
SCIS no: 5530675
Bouncy Balls
This innovative website uses animated bouncing balls to monitor classroom noise levels. The balls bounce higher as the noise level increases.
SCIS no: 5530744
Aaron Blabey
Aaron Blabey is the Australian author/illustrator of popular titles such as Pig the pug, Thelma the unicorn, and The bad guys. His website offers students an insight into his background and creative processes.
SCIS no: 5530683
Duke of Ed: #World Ready
For more than 60 years, the Duke of Edinburgh Award has provided students with a pathway to receive an internationally recognised certificate through participating in challenging experiences.
SCIS no: 1311687
Australian Migration
www.library.gov.au/learn/digital-classroom/australian-migration
The National Library of Australia has developed a Year 6 module about Australia’s migration history, from the first colonies to the present day. The resource is aligned with the Australian curriculum: Humanities and Social Science.
SCIS no: 5530433
Engineering
www.sciencelearn.org.nz/topics/engineering
Several fields of engineering are explored in this subsection of the New Zealand Science Learning Hub. Formats include articles, videos, and interactive media.
SCIS no: 5530443
State Library Victoria resources for secondary teachers
www.slv.vic.gov.au/learn/schools-teachers/secondaryresearch
The State Library of Victoria has developed a range of secondary school topics for teachers, utilising articles, databases, videos, research guides, and professional learning material.
SCIS no: 5530689
Towards Truth
Secondary teachers of law will find background information regarding how laws and policies have impacted the lives of First Nations people since 1788.
SCIS no: 5530815
Understanding the basics of AI
www.abc.net.au/education/students-and-their-teachers-must-understand-the-basics-of-ai/104872924
This ABC resource outlines the challenges students face in an AI-powered future, covering the digital divide and how to foster critical literacy.
SCIS no: 5530736
Dare Mighty Things
NASA’s comprehensive site includes resources on the solar system, life beyond Earth, robotics, and classroom activities for teachers.
SCIS no: 5484296
Nigel Paull
Teacher librarian (retired)
Central Coast, NSW