Kids can travel the world with iPad apps by Jinny Gudmundsen

Photo:
Jinny Gudmundsen

 "With an iPad and a few great apps, you can broaden your kids' view of our planet without ever getting on an airplane. Here are two outstanding apps that take kids on exciting adventures and, in the process, teach them about geography, science and animals." writes Jinny Gudmundsen.

'Ansel & Clair's Adventures in Africa'

This is one of the best educational apps for kids on the iPad. It looks gorgeous, has a ton of educational information and is delivered in the format of an adventure with friendly aliens.

In "Ansel &Clair's Adventures in Africa," kids join Ansel, an alien, and his cute robotic companion named Clair. Ansel and Clair have come to Earth to learn about and photograph Africa. As they approach the African continent, their spaceship malfunctions and spews parts all over Africa.
Visit iTunes to buy and download apps.

'The Magic School Bus: Oceans'

Ms. Frizzle is back, and this time, she's on the iPad, taking her class into the ocean. Based on Joanna Cole's "The Magic School Bus: On the Ocean Floor" book, this app adds videos and games into the book's story.

As usual, Ms. Frizzle's school bus magically transforms — this time into a submarine, so that it can dive right into the ocean. Kids join Ms. Frizzle's students on their underwater adventure as The Friz takes the kids to see marine plants and animals up close.

The app offers 11 videos and more than 25 photos as kids learn about whales, squid, starfish, flounder, dolphins, sharks and more. And there are eight interactive games. In one, kids will help a creature to swim by doing special hand motions on the iPad's screen. For a squid, they will need to pinch the screen to imitate the squid's jet propulsion. In another activity, kids can look at plankton by moving slides under a microscope.
Visit iTunes to buy and download apps.
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Source: USA Today