These videos and articles are jam-packed with detail for nature lovers, and some (like the Natural & Sexual Selection animation) could be helpful in biology or anatomy class. Visuals are clear and concise; however, in an effort to keep videos short, some important concepts get glossed over a little too quickly, and some kids may come away with misconceptions. If you use this resource, unpack the content afterward to ensure that learners aren’t confused.
Unfortunately, some interactives don’t require much interaction; for example, All About Bird Song is simply a series of live video clips with text passages. Other interactives, like Bird Song Hero, are better. In that activity, learners listen to songs and select a spectrogram that matches, and they can get immediate feedback on their multiple-choice selections. While Bird Song Hero builds critical-thinking skills, keep in mind that the content is beyond the scope of the Next Generation of Science Standards. Overall, All About Bird Biology is a great resource for nature enthusiasts who want to become better birders, but using these resources in the classroom will require more context and guidance from a teacher.
Website: http://biology.allaboutbirds.org/
Overall User Consensus About the App
Student Engagement
Kids who love birds will be sucked in, but a general audience may have a tougher time getting engaged.
Curriculum and Instruction
Users dig deep into accurate bird anatomy, behavior, and evolution. Some activities provide opportunities for kids to think critically about content, while others simply dispense information.
Customer Support
Text, video, and simulations make content accessible for a wide range of learning needs. For users who want more, The Cornell Lab of Ornithology provides a community engaged in studying and conserving birds.
