Think About It

Think About it, Philosophy for Kids

Appy Chat

Developer: KidsThinkAboutIt

Description:

ThinkAboutIt apps are great for philosophers aged 7-10. They’re also great for sharing with younger siblings, and are lots of fun for bigger thinkers too! Featuring famous philosophers, amazing animations, interactive activities, and nifty narrations.

Appy Chat:

1.     When did you decide to develop this app?

About two years ago, we started publishing children’s books about philosophy and robots.  About three quarters of the way into the process, one of our team members suggested that we try them as apps.  The books were colourful and interactive anyway, so it seemed like a natural progression into digital format.  Philosophy (especially children’s philosophy) may seem like an unusual basis for an app, but actually works quite well.

2.     When did you first release this app?

Our first app was released in December 2011.  We now have eight apps for iPad, and one for iPhone.

3.     How long did it take you to develop this app?

Because the apps were based on actual illustrated books, the bulk of the content was already done, so the actual programming was completed in a matter of months, and we were able to complete more than one at a time.

4.     What is your favourite feature?

Our books feature an intrepid character named Sophia the Wise, who is larger than life even on a printed page.  Having her move and speak and narrate the text made her even more vibrant and engaging.

5.     What is your favourite page in the app?

I’m fond of the maps and timelines in our apps.  Besides looking cool and being tactile, they really drive home the idea that philosophy is something that’s been done by men and women all over the world for thousands of years.

6.     What skills were you hoping to help the end user to develop?

Our philosophy apps are all about the development of 21^st century skills, including literacy, critical thinking, problem solving and communication.  They present questions that have a variety of possible answers, and encourage both children and adults to have some meaty discussions about then.  Our robot app promotes similar skills, but also includes some technological history and basic science and engineering principles.

7.     What age range would this app most suit?

The books and the apps are intended for children ages 7-10.  However, we’ve had parents tell us that their kids share them with younger siblings too.

8.     Are any new updates coming soon?

No updates planned in the near future, but we’re hoping to someday create more interactive books and games based on similar subject matter.

Links:

Website: KidsThinkAboutIt
Facebook Page: Sophia the Wise
Twitter: @sophiasbigideas
Pinterest: Sophia the Wise
You Tube: KidsThinkAboutIt

Apps:

50 Philosophers  (iPhone) – Fifty philosophers on your phone
Cost: 99c

ThinkAboutIt 1 (iPad) – Let The Thinking Begin! Come explore “Let The Thinking Begin”. Find out what philosophy is, how to do it, and how it can make you a better thinker.- $3.99
ThinkAboutIt 2  (iPad) – Metaphysics: What Is All This Stuff?
ThinkAboutIt 3  (iPad) – Philisophy and The Environment: Think Green!
ThinkAboutIt 4  (iPad) – Aesthetics: Gee, That’s Pretty!
ThinkAboutIt 5  (iPad) – Ethics: Behave Yourself!
ThinkAboutIt 6  (iPad) – Politics: Who’s the Boss?
ThinkAbout It 7  (iPad) – Epistemology: How Do You Know What You Know?
Robot Guide (iPad )- Join Phil Bot (Phil to his friends) as he explores the wide world of robots

Cost: $3.99

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Giveaway:

We have a Rafflecopter giveaway for ThinkAboutIt1 (iPad) until March 12, 2013
We have a Rafflecopter giveaway for Robot Guide (for iPad) until March 12, 2013
We have a Rafflecopter giveaway for 50 Philosophers (iPhone) until March 12, 2013