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Apps Analysis

By Stefan Dubowski

Inventioneers Full Version

Logo for 'Inventioneers Full Version'.

Creativity, perseverance and physics feature big in this quirky little game. "Inventioneers" (characters who blow air, create fire and do other elemental activities) use random objects to solve bizarre problems, like levering a scuba diver into a bathtub (with pipes, a funnel and a spring). It may seem chaotic, but the puzzles help players learn about physics fundamentals such as gravity and simple machines, which they'll start to study as early as Grade 2. The developers say their own invention is meant for six- to eight-year-olds but older children and adults enjoy it too.

DEVICE: Apple, Android
SOURCE: Apple App Store ($6.99), Google Play ($6.99)
RATING: 4+, Everyone

Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada (IPAC)

Logo for 'Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada (IPAC)'.

This app's main page offers links to facts and essays about a number of Indigenous communities. Dig a little deeper and the writings reveal all sorts of fascinating information about people, their traditional ways of life and their modern-day realities. Individual sections on residential schools and truth and reconciliation dig deep into tough topics, while the Find a Location feature presents details like community size and languages spoken. This rich content works well alongside Ontario's Grade 9 to 12 First Nations, Métis and Inuit Studies.

DEVICE: Apple, Android
SOURCE: Apple App Store (free), Google Play (free)
RATING: 4+, Everyone

Français Authentique

Logo for 'Français Authentique'.

This all-French app seems "tout à fait parfait" for high school students in French Immersion programs and French schools. It links to entertaining essays, videos and podcasts on different aspects of the French language including phrases (such as "donner un tuyau," which means to give someone a tip). Much of the material comes with handy transcripts so viewers/listeners can read along, helping to match the way words sound to how they're spelled. Although the app is free, there are a few links to additional for-fee extras, so best used with adult assistance.

DEVICE: Apple, Android
SOURCE: Apple App Store (free), Google Play (free)
RATING: 17+, Everyone