This post first appeared on Free Technology for Teachers.
iPads have entered classrooms at an unprecedented rate. In response to the prevalence of this device in schools, Apple has released a series of free eBooks outlining lesson plans for various apps. What makes these especially powerful is that they harness iPad’s unique feature of being a mobile creation device. All of the eBooks are free and the apps, if not free, are heavily discounted under Apple’s Volume Purchase Program for Educational Institutions. Each of these eBooks focuses on a specific app and outlines a series of lesson plan ideas by grade level and subject matter. A quick note for educators, many of these Apps have iPhone and Android Options so these eBooks could be used for other platforms as well.
SketchBook Express Lesson Ideas
- SketchBook Express for iPad (Free)
- SketchBook Express for Android (Free)
SketchBook Express allows students to draw, paint, and draft using just their fingerprints! Not just for art and design, there are lessons for Mathematics K-5, Science 5-8, History 5-12, Art K-5, and Science 9-12.
Stop Motion Studio Lesson Ideas
Stop Motion Studio allows students to act out their own scenes or incorporate clay, drawings, and photos to “create animated sequences.” This is a creative way to bring video into your classroom. There are lessons for Mathematics K-5, Science K-8, Literacy 9-12, and History 9-12.
Explain Everything Lesson Ideas
- Explain Everything for iPad or iPhone ($2.99; $1.49 with purchase of 20 or more)
- Explain Everything for Android ($2.99)
Lessons cover mathematics for grades K-12, Literacy grades K-12, Social Studies 9-12, and Science 6-8. Each lesson outlines age levels, objectives, sample rubrics, and examples. The outlines are a great way to get started and to build from as you progress with the tool.
Hopscotch Lesson Ideas
- Hopscotch for iPad or iPhone (Free)
Hopscotch is a simple tool that “helps students learn to code, letting them get creative while developing computer science, problem-solving, and logical-thinking skills.” However, don’t think that all of the exercises are focused on computer science and coding. Rather, they provide lessons that help you to infuse coding skills into a “traditional” curriculum. Lessons cover K-8 mathematics, Literacy K-5, Foreign Language 6-8, Science K-5, and Geography 6-8.
Puppet Pals HD Lesson Ideas
- Puppet Pals HD for iPad (Free)
Puppet Pals allows students to create their own characters and record voice overs in order to tell stories. It’s similar to other comic book apps, but allows for moveable characters that can be personalized. Lessons include topics for Science K-5, Literacy K-5, Geography 5-8, and Foreign Language 5-8.
If you would like to explore more tools for your Mobile Device classroom, check out EdTechTeacher’s “Apps for the Classroom” and “Tech Tools by Subject and Skills” or come join them for their February 9-11 iPad Summit in San Diego.
