Product Review of Volumize – The Tech Edvocate

learners to import photos from their iPads (using the built-in cameras or any other file in their library) and then draw virtual 3-D geometric solids over the photo to roughly approximate its form. They can adjust the interface’s measurement scale to accurately reflect real-world measurements, making this more than just a virtualization tool –- it’s a powerful 3-D ruler, too. The app then automatically calculates the area and surface area, showing the steps and pieces of those calculations and a net of each solid. For compound shapes, it does all the combination work for you.

To take things a bit further, learners and educators can use the built-in planning, reporting, and reflecting tools to add text and other imagery to templates, which can then be sent to the teacher or classmates.

First, take a look at the great lesson plans available on NYSCI’s website. Beyond that, you could use Volumize as an intro to, or stand-in for, the classic “build your own 3-D model and calculate its surface area” project (or a favorite twist on that one: Build a piñata!). It could also be a lovely advance organizer or the inquiry section of a classroom lesson on solids.

You could simply make Volumize part of a stable of math play activities, for filler days between lessons or after standardized testing times. Chemistry, physical-science, or digital-creation educators can use it for a variety of purposes too (it’s a great intro to 3-D modeling). Any place you can see using virtual models with handy calculations will be instantly accessible with Volumize.

Volumize can get kids hooked on noticing solids in the real world, and for that it’s a great tool for learning. It’s part of the New York Hall of Science’s “Noticing Tools” suite of apps, aimed at getting learners to find math and science connections in their everyday lives using pseudo-augmented reality. It’s learning goal seems to be making otherwise abstract geometric figures more real, and in that it succeeds. This is open-play discovery learning, and kids will make their own meaning about relationships between solids.

For more concrete, procedural work such as the proper use of formulas, you’ll need to supplement with outside class time or resources. Everything is calculated for you here, which is great for inquiry but not great for skills practice.

Website: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id952809603?uo=4&at=10laCG&ct=website

Overall User Consensus About the App

Student Engagement

The clean, responsive interface accomplishes its purpose quite well. Kids will have fun drawing 3-D shapes over their photographs to create rough approximations and see their objects measured in real time.

Curriculum and Instruction

While it’s excellent to bring the abstract ideas of surface area and volume into real-world relief, it’s a step removed from hands-on learning. Plus, the app doesn’t really require learners to do any calculations.

Customer Support

For technical troubles, the in-app help menu is straightforward and gives great guidance. For extending the app’s features beyond the tablet, there are lessons and community support on NYSCI’s website.