Gadgetarium
By Amanda Bindel,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Interactive exploration of inventions inspires tinkerers.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this app.
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
Gadgetarium
Community Reviews
There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What’s It About?
Starting with the wheel in 5,000 B.C., GADGETARIUM walks kids through centuries of inventions, including the abacus, the compass, clocks, spectacles, the microscope, television, the Polaroid, the cell phone, and more (the final entry on the time line is Google Glass). Kids explore each what each item does, view it from all sides, and hear and read a little history. They also can combine the gadgets to create their own inventions in the workshop.
Is It Any Good?
Gadgetarium's beautiful music and detailed graphics will impress all ages, but the history that's offered is very brief, serving as more of an introduction to each invention. The time line is interesting, showing the advancement of gadgets and how much technology has changed through the centuries. Some gadgets are more interactive than others -- the scale, light bulb, television, and Walkman are the standouts. Kids can look at each invention with a 360-degree view, but many beg to be opened up and explored, which isn't an option. Another small issue: Years are written as B.C. and A.C. rather than B.C. and A.D., which may be confusing to kids -- or at least require some explanation. The written descriptions are witty but not very deep, so kids and parents may want to investigate inventions of interest more.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the inventions on the time line. Which do we still use today? How have they changed and been improved over the years?
Ask kids what they'd like to invent. How would their invention be used?
Discuss ways to find out more about each invention: What would be the best sources? What information do they want to know?
App Details
- Devices: iPod Touch, iPad
- Subjects: Science: engineering, electricity, physics, Social Studies: history, timelines
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: investigation, thinking critically, Creativity: imagination, innovation
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Release date: January 5, 2015
- Category: Education
- Topics: Science and Nature
- Publisher: GUTENBERGZ INC
- Version: 1.1
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 7.0 or later
- Last updated: July 29, 2016
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Download
Our Editors Recommend
Best Engineering Games, Apps, and Websites for Kids
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate