Common Sense Media Review
By Chris Morris
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Virtual globe chock full of facts, flags, and photos.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
The World by National Geographic
Parent and Kid Reviews
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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
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.
App Details
- Device : iPad
- Subjects : Social Studies : geography
- Pricing structure :
- Release date : August 29, 2011
- Genre : Education
- Publisher : National Geographic Society
- Version : 1.2
- Minimum software requirements : iOS 3.2 or later
- Last updated : November 11, 2020
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