X is for X-Ray (iPad)

Review

Common Sense Media says

Curiosity-boosting but pricey peek into everyday objects.
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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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that X is for X-Ray (iPad) is a beautiful alphabet book app that contains descriptions and X-ray images of everyday objects. For each of the 26 items, there is a poem, sound effect, description of its history, explanation of how it works, and a photo. By swiping, tapping, and pinching, the photo can be viewed as an X-ray, zoomed larger, spun around for 360 viewing, and viewed in 3-D (requires purchase of glasses). There is a fair amount of text in this book, so it is most educational for older kids, though younger kids will enjoy the sound effects and images. Some users have expressed difficulty with the app crashing, but we did not experience this.

  • Ease of use3
    There are very few instructions in this app, so it takes some trial and error to discover you'll need to swipe to reveal the X-ray photos and to double tap for prism view. The prism view does contain guidance on how to view the images in 3-D. Overall, though, the app is relatively easy to navigate -- a table of contents is available on the main page and along the bottom of the screen, users can easily switch between the poem and longer description, and the sounds and images are captured really well on the iPad.
  • Violence0
    There is some mention of gunpowder, and an apocryphal story about warriors using yo-yos, but nothing really violent.
  • Sex0
    There is a simple description of pollination, but it's literally just about the birds and the bees.
  • Language0
    Not applicable.
  • Consumerism2
    There is a link from the credits menu to purchase more apps by the developer. To fully appreciate the 3-D images in the book, most users will need to order prism 3-D glasses from Touch Press for $4.95, plus shipping. More common polarized 3-D glasses cannot be used.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
    Not applicable.
  • Privacy & safety0
    Not applicable.
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Is it any good?

 

This app is a tad pricey for what's offered, particularly since the X-ray images, which show density, do not show the inner workings of all of the items the same way you see in a book like David Macaulay's How Things Work. Still, it is a beautiful and engaging app. The text really encourages scientific curiosity, particularly by recommending activities like cooking almond biscotti or using onion juice to write in invisible ink. The sound effects and poems enrich the app for younger kids, and everyone will love the treat at the end -- unzipping the zipper to get a peek at an X-ray of the iPad!

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This review was written by Liz Panarelli

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This review was written by Liz Panarelli
Category:Education
Platforms:iPad
Price:$7.99
Size:410.00 MB
Publisher:Touch Press
Version:1.0.2
Release date:December 6, 2011
Minimum software requirements:iOS 4.2 or later
This review was written by Liz Panarelli

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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.
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BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
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