Shapes - 3D Geometry Learning
Shapes - 3D Geometry Learning gallery
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Shapes - 3D Geometry Learning is a reference tool that kids can use to explore over 20 different solid figures. Interactive features include zooming in and out on a figure, unfolding and folding it to study its net (cut-and-fold pattern) filling in its sides with color, rotating it, and highlighting its features. Kids can print the nets, which allows them to practice folding each net to form the three-dimensional figure. The app is available in 13 different languages.What kids can learn
Kids will be intrigued by the ability to manipulate shapes and highlight certain attributes. The interface is simple and elegant, but it might not be an immediate draw for kids who need persuasion to explore shapes.
Kids can learn a lot of attributes about each shape, explore, manipulate, and problem-solve. Because there are no objectives or assessments, the app misses an opportunity to reinforce learning .
The touch screen features are easy to control. Though there are few instructions in the app, the developer's website offers the opportunity to view videos and try the product before buying.
What's it about?
The main screen is organized into four categories of solid figures: Prisms, Pyramids, Platonic Solids, and Solids of Revolution. Within each category, kids can select from several different shapes. Once the shape is selected, kids can explore using a number of features including zoom, unfold and fold, and rotate. Kids can also tap to learn how many faces, edges, and vertices the shape has, and they can highlight and color-fill these characteristics. When kids select the Net feature, they can build their own net and fold it to test it out.
Is it any good?
SHAPES - 3D GEOMETRY LEARNING provides kids with an engaging and interactive way to explore solid figures. Though there are few instructions, It's easy to navigate and the touch features are easily controlled. Kids can freely explore without having to unlock levels, which works well with the concepts. One of the best features is the ability to print nets so kids can manually fold them to create three-dimensional figures. An opportunity to assess learning could improve the app's learning value, but it works well as an exploration and experimentation app.
Families can talk about...
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Families can talk about solid figures found in everyday objects. Have kids name the shapes and then use the app to deconstruct and study them.
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Have kids draw nets using paper and pencil, listing the two-dimensional shapes that make up the three-dimensional figure.
App details
| Devices: | iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad |
| Price: | $3.99 |
| Pricing structure: | Paid |
| Release date: | February 25, 2015 |
| Category: | Education |
| Size: | 37.70 MB |
| Publisher: | Setapp Sp. z o.o. |
| Version: | 2.2 |
| Minimum software requirements: | iOS 6.0 or later |
