In Time for Spring: "Bloom" | Touch and Go


Mar 29, 2018 | Filed in Reviews+
A STEM app for young learners that encourages discussion and exploration.

In time for the spring season, a review of Bloom.

This beautiful app (Megalearn, iOS, $4.99, PreS-Gr 4) wordlessly explains the life cycle of three distinct plants. With no preamble, users are presented with three options: a woodsy setting for a raspberry plant, a tropical island for a coconut tree, and a humble dandelion in a verdant field. Each scene is gently depicted in soft colors and textured brush strokes and accompanied by soothing music and nature sounds. With no instructions or rules, the app encourages a meditative exploration and leisurely conversation about the unique roles of the elements and environment in each plant’s growth. There is also a gamification element for those who are motivated to test their new knowledge: once users have taken each plant through its life cycle, they are presented with a brief multiple-choice quiz that they can complete based on what they’ve observed. Though this app presents an inviting and informative experience, consumers are likely to feel it’s a bit light on content for the price point. Once the users have explored each of the three plant cycles, they are effectively done with the app, with little incentive for repeat visits. VERDICT Though limited in content, this is a lovely STEM app for young learners that encourages discussion and exploration, and is a solid choice for a lesson on plant biology.—Allison Tran, Mission Viejo Library, CA

Table of Contents, Bloom (Megalearn)

For additional app reviews, visit School Library Journal's dedicated app web page.

 

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

MAKER

Vocation Spots: Library Makerspaces Can Propel Teens Toward Career and Technical Education
by Bekah McNeel
INDUSTRY NEWS

AASL Best Apps Feature Top Choices in STEM, AR/VR, Content Creation
by Kathy Ishizuka
CLASSROOM & CURRICULA

Stellar Outer Space Board and Video Games
by Thomas Knowlton
MAKER

Missouri Libraries Offer Maker Camp Tailored for Families. Here's What They Recommend.
by April Witteveen
ED TECH

Tech Leaders: Good Citizenship & Social Justice
by Jennifer Snelling
ED TECH

Tech Leaders: Amplifying Reading & Research
by Jennifer Snelling
More

TOP STORIES

LIBRARY EDUCATION

Kids are using VR to explore worlds and create new ones

COMMUNITY FORM

Kids are using VR to explore worlds and create new ones

COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT

Kids are using VR to explore worlds and create new ones

RECOMMENDED
Story Image
CAREERS

The job outlook in 2030: Librarians will be in demand

Rebecca T. Miller, Dec 07, 2017
According to "The Future of skills: Employment is 2030", there will be an increased call for librarians, curators, and archivists, among other occupations.
Story Image
CAREERS

The job outlook in 2030: Librarians will be in demand

Rebecca T. Miller, Dec 07, 2017
According to "The Future of skills: Employment is 2030", there will be an increased call for librarians, curators, and archivists, among other occupations.
Story Image
CAREERS

The job outlook in 2030: Librarians will be in demand

Rebecca T. Miller, Dec 07, 2017
According to "The Future of skills: Employment is 2030", there will be an increased call for librarians, curators, and archivists, among other occupations.

Get connected. Join our global community of more than 200,000 librarians and educators.