The folks at PBS Kids got in touch, earlier this week, to give us the heads-up on the launch of the education network’s new app – Dinosaur Train A to Z.
Designed for kids aged between 3-6 years, the app specifically has its eyes on not only helping to build a child’s reading skills, but will also encourage the exploration of both life science, and natural history, through “discovery, play and reading.”
Through the letters of the alphabet, your child will learn about 26 dinosaurs by touching and feeding them, x-raying them, discovering dinosaur facts and more!
“The app [was] designed to extend the series’ science curriculum and PBS KIDS’ focus on STEM education,” the network explained.
The “STEM” education program, for those unaware, generally supports broadening the study of engineering within each of the other curriculum subjects, and begins the teaching of engineering at younger grades, even elementary school. It also brings STEM education to all students rather than only the gifted programs.
In his 2012 Budget, President Obama renamed and broadened the “Mathematics and Science Partnership (MSP)” to award block grants to states for improving teacher education in those subjects.
In 2006, the United States National Academies expressed their concern about the declining state of STEM education in the United States, with the Committee on Science, Engineering and Public Policy developing a list of 10 actions federal policy makers could take to advance STEM education in the U.S, to compete successfully in the 21st century.
Their top three recommendations were to:
- Increase America’s talent pool by improving K–12 science and mathematics education;
- Strengthen the skills of teachers through additional training in science, math and technology; and
- Enlarge the pipeline of students prepared to enter college and graduate with STEM degrees.
Having spent some time with the app over the past few hours, we’re confident that interactive and engaging apps like “Dinosaur Train A to Z” will continue to help and create a solid foundation of STEM education learning for those at an even earlier age.
Educators and parents out there who may be interested in using the new app can head to the iTunes App Store and pick up their copy, today – for $1.99. The app “universally” supports both iPhone and iPad.
You are reading PBS Kids Launches ‘Dinosaur Train A to Z’ For 3-6 YOs which was originally published to RazorianFly by @ArronHirst. You can subscribe to our many available feeds in order to receive daily updates whenever we publish new content, or you can follow us on Twitter at @razorianfly.