I downloaded this app and I played around with it with my sons and merge cube. I teach biology so I was interested in whether it would be something I could use in my classroom. I would definitely consider using it, it is well organized and nicely done. Differing text levels are so nice so that the activity can be used as a simple overview or a more in depth look and they included what I feel is important and clear information. However there are a couple of errors that I noticed within a few minutes of playing with it. In the plant cell, I could not get the vacuole to work. Also, for example, when I was reading about the deer (animal cells) at the middle school level I saw a typo (snergy vs energy). If the developers just go through it one more time for grammatical errors and to make sure that every “button” works, these would be solved. I didn’t go through everything so those errors may not even be widespread, just wanted to point them out! The challenge only allowed me to name the areas in the island... especially at the upper grade levels, students would find that rather insulting. Is the challenge supposed to extend to the cells themselves? I might have missed how to do that, but I tried to figure it out!

It is rare that you have a developer who is so open to user feedback. Half full Nelson is active in the merge educators community and I saw this app grow and change with educator feedback within that group. The app offers cells from all 5 kingdoms with information on the organelles and their function. The drawings match textbook representations and the quiz feature allows students to study for tests and identification. I think this app would be a nice complement to traditional cell teaching strategies (coloring pages, creating models etc. ). It adds tech and interest to capture another group of tech inspired students and allows a teacher to combat a common misconception that cells are “flat” or only two dimensional. By holding the cell in their hands students can get the full 3D experience. I would suggest using this app as an opening activity or least before doing a cell lab like elodea or cheek cells.

Amazing app and the developers are quick to respond on requests for further enhancements!