Disneynature Explore
By Dana Anderson,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Get in touch with nature with cool augmented-reality app.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this app.
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Disneynature Explore
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What’s It About?
Tap Explore, Journal & Photos, or the kid-protected parent tab on the main screen. In Explore, choose an activity from the icons on the right and choose an animal from those on the left. Follow the audio instructions (for example, to take a photo or play a game) and view and listen to an explanation of the animal's related behavior. Earn pins and take photos that are stored in the journal and photos area. By playing DISNEYNATURE EXPLORE, kids and parents may be inspired to protect nature and learn more about wildlife.
Is It Any Good?
Disneynature Explore is a beautiful app with novel activities that nature lovers likely will find engaging and even realistic. It's easy for kids to choose an animal to view and an activity they want to play related to that animal.
The app's parent instructions highlight that kids will need help from parents to do some activities. For example, the augmented-reality tracking activity can run into problems if kids are playing in a small space or a space with a fence or other obstacles. Depending on sunlight, the screen can be difficult to see outdoors, and the brightness of the screen may need adjustment. Preschoolers may find the combination of holding a device upward (especially if it's an iPad), walking outdoors, and focusing on the instructions and visuals too much to coordinate and will need parent support. Parents could help minimize frustration by reading the instructions on the parent page beforehand. Disneynature Explore can be an incredibly fun, informative way for kids to learn real facts about nature and animal behavior.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the animals' behaviors and environments. Ask your kid how they're different from or similar to human behavior and homes. Bears get itchy backs, lions need to eat, chimps use tools; how do those behaviors relate to and differ from our own?
Talk about how your family can keep wild animals' environments healthy. For example, on this app the sea turtle's environment is affected by plastic bags. How can people reduce their use of plastic bags or make sure they don't end up in the ocean?
Use the parent section for further information on how to explore nature and learn about wildlife together.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
- Subjects: Science: animals, ecosystems and the environment, Arts: photography
- Skills: Tech Skills: using and applying technology
- Pricing structure: Free
- Release date: March 27, 2014
- Category: Entertainment
- Topics: Science and Nature, Wild Animals
- Publisher: Disney
- Version: 1.0.0
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 7.0 or later
- Last updated: August 16, 2016
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