Ed. note: App of the Week picks are now being curated by the editors of Common Sense Education [1], which helps educators find the best ed-tech tools, learn best practices for teaching with tech, and equip students with the skills they need to use technology safely and responsibly. Click here [2]to read the full app review.
Cork the Volcano – Puzzlets [2]
What’s It Like?
Cork The Volcano – Puzzlets is a hands-on programming game that works with your phone or tablet. One of Puzzlet’s mantras is “plan, program, play.” Elementary students make a plan to help Rus the Dinosaur and his friends stop an erupting volcano from destroying Pear Island. They build a program out of real Puzzlet pieces in the Play Tray and then play, or run the program, to see what happens on their device.
Price: Free
Grades: K-5
Rating: 4/5
Pros: Students learn to think in new ways while playing a really entertaining game that extends beyond the screen.
Cons: A short cartoon introduces a problem, but kids may not understand right away that they need to stopper the volcano.
Bottom line: Programming that combines engaging physical puzzle tiles with digital gameplay.