NASA App

Review

Common Sense Media says

Information-packed tool delivers videos, photos, and more.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Learning1
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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Parents say

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the free NASA App is an official NASA app, jam-packed with more information on the U.S. space program and astronomy than you could digest in a lifetime. With new information added daily from a variety of NASA sources, including NASA's public television channel, this app can launch you into outer space from your couch, on the bus, or in the classroom. Users can log in via Facebook Connect to share information, but this is optional. There is also a built-in Twitter client, but you don't need an account to follow NASA tweets.

  • Ease of use5
    Just select whatever you're interested in from the simple menu -- NASA TV, tweets, mission information, videos or photos -- tap, and you're there.
  • Violence0
    Not applicable.
  • Sex0
    Not applicable.
  • Language0
    Not applicable.
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What kids can learn

1

Kids can learn just about anything they ever wanted to know about the solar system and about NASA's missions by navigating through the videos, photos, live feeds, and loads of text in NASA App. For kids with a big appetite for learning about the solar system, NASA App provides a wealth of information. However, given the amount of text and information, young users may need more focus than the app provides. NASA App provides a lot of information without a lot of guidance, so it may not be engaging for kids who aren't already fascinated by the solar system.

Subjects
  • Arts
  • Hobbies
  • Language & Reading
  • Math
Skills
  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Creativity
  • Emotional Development
  • Health & Fitness
  • Responsibility & Ethics
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What's it about?

Kids can discover a lot about space exploration with NASA App. They can read up on facts about planets and NASA’s space programs, see NASA’s photos and videos, and even keep up to date on NASA’s tweets, launch schedule, and features in the news. The information is fairly organized, but there is a lot of get through.
 

Is it any good?

 

With NASA APP, the NASA Ames Research Center has created an all-in-one astronomy, engineering, and future-astronaut inspiration tool. You can check out a sunset over South America from space, the Obamas' touring the shuttle launch facility, and stay tuned to the next launch via a countdown clock all on the same (free!) app.  Track the orbit of the International Space Station, count down the liftoff of the next mission launch, learn about the NASA Hall of Fame, view amazing photos from space, and more. New photos, videos, and tweets are added constantly.

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This review was written by Dana Villamagna

What kids can learn

1

Kids can learn just about anything they ever wanted to know about the solar system and about NASA's missions by navigating through the videos, photos, live feeds, and loads of text in NASA App. For kids with a big appetite for learning about the solar system, NASA App provides a wealth of information. However, given the amount of text and information, young users may need more focus than the app provides. NASA App provides a lot of information without a lot of guidance, so it may not be engaging for kids who aren't already fascinated by the solar system.

Subjects
  • Arts:
  • Hobbies:
  • Language & Reading:
  • Math:
  • Science: astronomy
  • Social Studies:
Skills
  • Collaboration:
  • Communication:
  • Creativity:
  • Emotional Development:
  • Health & Fitness:
  • Responsibility & Ethics:
  • Self-Direction:
  • Tech Skills:
  • Thinking & Reasoning: investigation

What's it about?

Kids can discover a lot about space exploration with NASA App. They can read up on facts about planets and NASA’s space programs, see NASA’s photos and videos, and even keep up to date on NASA’s tweets, launch schedule, and features in the news. The information is fairly organized, but there is a lot of get through.
 

How kids will learn

NASA App encourages kids to develop a strong interest in space exploration and to stay connected with what's going on at NASA. It provides an abundance of accurate information such as facts about planets, and NASA launches, missions, and crafts. The information is reinforced by presenting the information in different ways such as text, videos, photos, and social media. NASA App also has a news feature so kids can stay on top of current space exploration events and information.

How parents can help

  • Given the large amount of information in NASA App, provide a goal or focus for a given play session such as "Let's learn about Jupiter today,” or "Let's see what NASA's next mission is about."
  • Visit a local planetarium, observatory, or air and space museum to learn more about astronomy.
This review was written by Cynthia Chiong

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This review was written by Dana Villamagna
Category:Education
Platforms:iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
Price:Free
Publisher:NASA Ames Research Center
Version:1.38
Release date:April 25, 2011
Minimum software requirements:iOS 3.0 or later
This review was written by Dana Villamagna

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About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

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