 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Bobo Explores Light
Common Sense Media says
Thorough, and thoroughly entertaining, interactive science.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Bobo Explores Light is essentially an interactive science textbook. Bobo is a little robot who serves as a guide of sorts as kids navigate through a thorough exploration of exactly what light is and how it works. Topics include reflection, refraction, lasers, the color spectrum, how eyes see, why the sky is blue, and much more. Kids need to be able to read a lot of text themselves (or have someone available to read it to them) and the reading level is set at about second grade or so.
What kids can learn
Kids can learn all about light and how it affects so many different aspects of human life, nature, and the universe with Bobo Explores Light. From photosynthesis and fire, to Thomas Edison and the human eye, Bobo helps kids explore light and its impacts in highly interactive ways. For example, a game on refraction lets kids play with colorful laser light beams at an imaginary disco to see how the beams refract off the balls bouncing around the room to the music. Younger kids will need help reading some of the information; other videos and games on this app kids can play solo. The app engages kids as they learn science concepts in a fun way.
Subjects
- Language & Reading
- Math
- Sciencebiology, electricity, energy, motion
- Social Studieshistorical figures
- Arts
- Hobbies
Skills
- Thinking & Reasoningpart-whole relationships
- Creativityimagination, making new creations
- Self-Direction
- Emotional Development
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Responsibility & Ethics
- Tech Skills
- Health & Fitness
What's it about?
This interactive storybook's main character is a robot named Bobo who helps kids learn all about light. Each of the 21 topics is jam-packed with information, most of which will need to be read by an adult if kids playing on this app aren't fluent readers yet. There are also some short videos that are just long enough to teach without boring kids. Then there's a fun activity for kids to try that gives them a taste of the concept in a free-play way and doesn't require a lot of explanation.
Is it any good?
There is so much information in BOBO EXPLORES LIGHT that anybody of any age would be hard-pressed to make it all the way through without learning something new. It's all explained in clear, simple language that elementary schoolers should be able to take in with no problem. The videos and interactivity add both extra insight and a genuine entertainment factor. This app exemplifies the old mantra: "Learning can be fun."
What kids can learn
Kids can learn all about light and how it affects so many different aspects of human life, nature, and the universe with Bobo Explores Light. From photosynthesis and fire, to Thomas Edison and the human eye, Bobo helps kids explore light and its impacts in highly interactive ways. For example, a game on refraction lets kids play with colorful laser light beams at an imaginary disco to see how the beams refract off the balls bouncing around the room to the music. Younger kids will need help reading some of the information; other videos and games on this app kids can play solo. The app engages kids as they learn science concepts in a fun way.
Subjects
- Language & Reading:
- Math:
- Science: biology, electricity, energy, motion
- Social Studies: historical figures
- Arts:
- Hobbies:
Skills
- Thinking & Reasoning: part-whole relationships
- Creativity: imagination, making new creations
- Self-Direction:
- Emotional Development:
- Communication:
- Collaboration:
- Responsibility & Ethics:
- Tech Skills:
- Health & Fitness:
How kids will learn
Kids learn through a variety of games, short videos, and text, grouped into specific subjects on more than 100 interactive pages. Some elements, such as designing a face out of glow-in-the-dark pieces, encourage free play; others, like an explainer about the sun, ask questions (How many lights are around you?) and explain the topic (accompanying text explains hydrogen, video explains how solar flares cause static on the radio). Bobo utilizes as many various learning methods as one app can squeeze into one topic!
How parents can help
- Read the pages with text on them with your kids, and answer any follow-up questions your kids may have.
- Point out the concepts of light that your kid is learning about on this app in related real-world places.
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title below.
| Category: | Education |
| Platforms: | iPad |
| Price: | $4.99 |
| Size: | 258.00 MB |
| Publisher: | Game Collage, LLC |
| Version: | 2.1 |
| Release date: | February 2, 2011 |
| Minimum software requirements: | iOS 4.2 or later |
Contact us to give us more feedback on our learning ratings.
Review It
Screenshots
1 of 3
2 of 3
3 of 3
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
