The app has options to explore features unique to each mammal. For example, bats can use sound to locate insects, and tiger claws can be used to scratch and catch prey. Students can also use her iPad’s camera to see what the world of each of the five mammals looks like.
Teachers can use Tinybop mammals as an integral part of the Mammals unit. Using handbooks provided by developers, educators can guide learners through the app’s many interactive layers. As learners examine each animal, educators can help learners make valuable observations and comparisons. Ask learners to describe which mammals appear to be carnivores, herbivores, or omnivores. She asks learners to compare and contrast two animals and guess which physical traits help them survive. This formative discussion is a good opportunity for evaluation, as the app does not track or report student behavior.
Of course, educators can also allow learners to explore the app on their own. They will certainly learn from it, but this learning will not be as deep as a teacher’s guidance. Students interested in mammals will greatly enjoy this app, but some learner groups may need to be prepared to see anatomically accurate labels and diagrams.
Mammals by TinyBop offers an excellent array of sounds and animations to give learners a basic understanding of mammalian anatomy and major body systems. Left alone to use the app, most learners use her once or her twice before moving on. The accompanying guide addresses this by giving teachers the background information they need and some great tips and discussion questions. Mammals are a worthy addition to the curriculum if educators are following the guide and/or adding their own lessons and assessments.
The app does not read labels to learners. It would be great if the learner tapped the label and the mammal read it out loud. Labels can be displayed in multiple languages, which is useful for English language learners (ELLs).
Website: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id1193715162?uo=4&at=10laCG&ct=website
User’s overall consensus about the app
student involvement
Great sounds and animations are engaging for learners, but teachers are what make learning meaningful.
Curriculum and instruction
Learners learn a little through open-ended play, but educators should use the included free handbook or add their own lessons, activities, and assessments.
customer support
While the app itself is free to explore with minimal guidance, the handbook contains all the information educators need to enhance learning.
