Stack the States

Software Title and Publisher (provide vendor information, URL link) Stack the States was created by Dan Russell-Pinson and it is an app from Itunes.

Price: individual or volume licensing information The price for the app is 0.99 cents

Note the type of software. Educational

Note the target content area. Social Studies

Note any learning standards alignment. This app aligns with NYS Social Studies Standard 3, Geography, and NYS Technology Standard 5.

What kind of documentation or online help (tutorial) is available? How user friendly is the software for the target audience? There is no tutorial on the app.  However, the software is very user friendly.  The concept of the game is very easy and students love to play the game.

Note computer requirements and the Operating System compatibility.

Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later

Look for additional available resources that might supplement the software. Does it come packaged with lesson ideas? Are online resources available? It does not come packaged with any ideas because it is an app. The main feature is the stacking game which tests your knowledge about the states. Each correct answer awards you with that particular state to drop within the level. Drop and place the states to reach a certain height to win! You do have to consider the physics behind the stacking as well! There are 3 other bonus games to be unlocked: Pile Up (remove all of the states before they pile up to the top of the screen), Puzzler (move the displayed state shapes around and put them together like a jigsaw puzzle) and Capital Drop (match the states with their capitals).

Share an idea or two about how you might use the software in your classroom. How might you integrate the software application? This game could be used in any classroom to help students learn about the states and capitals.  I know in 5th at the district where I work students need to know states and capitals of all 50 states and this app comes in handy.  The students can play at any free time and during review time in class.