iNaturalist

Free!

iNaturalist lets users study and document nearby plants and animals. After registering with the app, users can access the Observations, Explore, Projects, and Guides button using the “Lined” tap on the top left of the screen. The “Explore” option shows users a detailed map of their local area with red, blue, and green tabs. Users can tap a tab to access an image of a plant or animal and information related to it. (In the “Explore” option, users can also tap the buttons at the top of the screen to view the different plants and animals cataloged on the map in a grid and/or list view.) The “Obsercations” option lets users take or import a picture of a plant or animal, categorize the plant or animal, and add details about it. Once completed, the picture and data will be added to the map. The “Projects” option lets users see endeavors other users are completing, which includes cataloging plants and animals specific to a region and educational endeavors. Users can search for nearby or featured projects, and they can join them. Once joined, users can contribute to the project. The “Guide” option lets users post information about a specific topic for other users to access.

Instructional Ideas

1. Teachers can have students research the different plant and animal species located in a region using this app. To do so, students can tap a tab in the “Explore,” “Projects,” or “Guide” option and, if available, they can research additional information.
2. After locating a plant or animal in this app, students can fact check the information presented about the plant or animal. For example, students can confirm that the plant or animal is correctly named or if the plant or animal can be found where another users claimed to spot it.
3. Teachers can lead students on a nature walk and require they take pictures of the different plants and animals they see. Afterwards, students can research the plants and animals they photographed and add them to this app’s catalog.
4. After reading multiple projects, teachers can assign groups of students a topic and have them create a “Guide” or “Project” about that topic and post it to this app.

Screenshots