 | 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. |
The World by National Geographic
Common Sense Media says
Virtual globe chock full of facts, flags, and photos.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that The World by National Geographic is an educational app that teaches users about major countries of the world. The focus is chiefly on the app's interactive map, which is chock-full of information and still a lot of fun to pinch, zoom, and spin. Kids will also be able to see pictures from those countries as well as broad descriptions. An Internet connection isn't necessary for all of the app's features, but is suggested if you plan on zooming in and out around the globe.
What kids can learn
Kids can learn all about the world they live in, not only discovering where countries are located, but also by getting a few pictures, critical facts (like life expectancy and languages spoken) and concise but fact-filled descriptions of the country. The World by National Geographic expands on the experience kids get with a real-life globe but could make better use of the interactive platform.
What's it about?
Kids explore the world by spinning a virtual globe and pinching and zooming in on areas of interest. Views can range from typical map layouts to looks at ocean formations to 3-D terrain layouts. Those wanting more information on a country can touch a button to see the flags of the world and details (and pictures) of each country by tapping its flag.
Is it any good?
Maps have lost some of their sexiness these days, but The World by National Geographic manages to make them fun again. The app is a geographical educational tool, but it's loaded with bright pictures (a trademark of the National Geographic Society's magazine), interesting facts, and an interactive map that is a lot of fun to play with.
The app falls a bit short, though, for anyone who is a regular user of Google Earth. Instead of being able to zoom into territories as you can with that app, The World stops short, transitioning to a paper map appearance. It's a minor frustration, but given how deep you can go with other apps, it's a bit disappointing not to have that option here. The reliance on an Internet connection is an annoyance, as well, but all-in-all, this is a solid app.
What kids can learn
Kids can learn all about the world they live in, not only discovering where countries are located, but also by getting a few pictures, critical facts (like life expectancy and languages spoken) and concise but fact-filled descriptions of the country. The World by National Geographic expands on the experience kids get with a real-life globe but could make better use of the interactive platform.
Subjects
- Language & Reading:
- Math:
- Science:
- Social Studies: geography
- Arts:
- Hobbies:
How kids will learn
Kids will learn by simply exploring as they would on a real-world globe. They control the experience by thumbing through photos and choosing to get more information when a country catches their interest. The app would get a boost if it offered kids more ways to interact with the content and to reflect on what they're learning, as well as audio support.
How parents can help
- Be on the lookout for cultural festivals you and your child can attend to learn about customs, food, music, and life in other countries.
- Provide a real-life globe or atlas kids can access anytime.
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| Category: | Education |
| Platforms: | iPad |
| Price: | $3.99 |
| Size: | 187.00 MB |
| Publisher: | National Geographic Society |
| Version: | 1.2 |
| Release date: | August 29, 2011 |
| Minimum software requirements: | iOS 3.2 or later |
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