Gadgetarium
Gadgetarium gallery
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Gadgetarium is an interactive history and science book featuring a timeline of inventions that runs from the wheel to Google Glass. Kids can explore each invention in three dimensions, read about its history, add it to a collection of their favorite gadgets, and combine elements from each to create their own. Via Facebook and Twitter buttons in the app, kids over 13 can share their inventions. Each gadget includes a short history written in a casual, pun-filled style that's likely to appeal to older elementary or middle school-aged kids. The verbal descriptions are different than the written ones, so non-readers won't get as much information about each gadget, though they can manipulate them on screen.What kids can learn
Background music and graphics are both beautifully done, and the writing style is witty. Younger kids may not appreciate the humor and beauty as much as older kids and teens.
The history is superficial, so kids won't get an in-depth examination of the inventions. Some gadgets are more interactive and engaging than others, but seeing how each works is fascinating and will inspire kids to want to learn more.
Navigation isn't very intuitive, and there are no instructions. Kids explore and discover on their own. Creating gadgets isn't super impressive because they don't interact with each other.
What's it about?
Starting with the wheel in 5,000 BC, GADGETARIUM walks kids through centuries of inventions, including the abacus, compass, clocks, spectacles, microscope, television, Polaroid, cell phone, and more (the final entry on the timeline is Google Glass). Kids explore each what each item does, view it from all sides, and hear and read a little history. They can also 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 timeline 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 BC and AC rather than BC and AD, 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 discover inventions of interest and want to investigate each one more.
Families can talk about...
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Families can talk about the inventions on the timeline. Which do we still use today? How have they changed and been improved over the years?
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Ask kids what they'd like to invent. How would their invention be used?
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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 |
| Price: | $1.99 |
| Pricing structure: | Paid |
| Release date: | January 5, 2015 |
| Category: | Education |
| Topics: | Science and nature |
| Size: | 390.00 MB |
| Publisher: | GUTENBERGZ INC |
| Version: | 1.1 |
| Minimum software requirements: | iOS 7.0 or later |
