 | 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. |
SkyView - Explore the Universe
- iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
- Price: $1.99
- Category: Education
Common Sense Media says
Astronomy app uses location to explain your view of the sky.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that SkyView - Explore the Universe is an educational astronomy app that uses your location to overlay your view of the sky onto your camera view. Planets, stars, constellations, and satellites are magnified so you can "see" where they are during the day or night. Tapping on objects allows you to read numerous facts about them and track their movement through the sky. You can also search for objects that are above the horizon and follow an arrow on the screen to locate them. A few constellations come from myths that include violence or sex, but descriptions are not lurid. Wikipedia is the source listed for many of the facts. The app will ask permission for your location, or you can enter your location manually.
What kids can learn
Kids can learn about astronomy and tons of sky-related factoids, from astronauts and their missions to distances of stars from Earth. They can build their research skills by tracking and recording the trajectory of their favorite planet. SkyView Universe is well-suited to give kids who are already interested in astronomy the information they seek and also to inspire kids who may not have wondered about the sky to be more curious. SkyView Universe gives loads of science information with some cool features, but the amount and depth of exploration is up to the kids.
Skills
- Thinking & Reasoningapplying information, investigation
- Creativity
- Self-Direction
- Emotional Development
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Responsibility & Ethics
- Tech Skills
- Health & Fitness
What's it about?
In SkyView Universe, kids can see what's in the sky above them. They point the device in any direction and see what planets, constellations, and even satellites are in the sky. When they see something, they can tap on it, and then read a bunch of facts about it: Did you know that one moon day is about 27 Earth days? Kids can also see the sun, moon, or a planet's path in a 24-hour period –- even a period in the future! There’s a lot of information here, so parents may want to help guide kids through it.
Is it any good?
SKYVIEW - EXPLORE THE UNIVERSE is an excellent tool for learning about the astronomical universe. It is similar in many ways to other astronomy apps available, but its ability to search for an object and its overlay of objects on your personal camera view are neat features, as is the inclusion of man-made satellites and their histories. It can be hard to adapt to the app's controls at first, but once you get used to how to move your device, the app is very powerful and exciting.
What kids can learn
Kids can learn about astronomy and tons of sky-related factoids, from astronauts and their missions to distances of stars from Earth. They can build their research skills by tracking and recording the trajectory of their favorite planet. SkyView Universe is well-suited to give kids who are already interested in astronomy the information they seek and also to inspire kids who may not have wondered about the sky to be more curious. SkyView Universe gives loads of science information with some cool features, but the amount and depth of exploration is up to the kids.
Subjects
- Language & Reading:
- Math:
- Science: astronomy
- Social Studies:
- Arts:
- Hobbies:
Skills
- Thinking & Reasoning: applying information, investigation
- Creativity:
- Self-Direction:
- Emotional Development:
- Communication:
- Collaboration:
- Responsibility & Ethics:
- Tech Skills:
- Health & Fitness:
How kids will learn
Skyview Universe puts kids in control of the experience. Kids can learn by exploring and investigating what they see in the sky in real life and seeking answers with the app. Although SkyView Universe can be used at any time, it is probably best used when kids are stargazing outside and use the app to learn more about what they see. The graphics and augmented-reality features of the app provide a good parallel to the real-life view.
How parents can help
- Go to different locations to use this app so kids can see different views.
- Spend a night outside stargazing with kids.
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| Category: | Education |
| Platforms: | iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad |
| Price: | $1.99 |
| Size: | 16.10 MB |
| Publisher: | Terminal Eleven LLC |
| Version: | 1.1 |
| Release date: | May 23, 2011 |
| Minimum software requirements: | iOS 4.2 or later |
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