June App of the Month: Project Noah

This is Courtney & Laura’s first official app of the month selection! Aren’t you thrilled you’re here for the beginning of something really wonderful?! Each month Courtney and Laura B will pick out a rockin’ app to share with you. We’ll show you how the app works, why it is cool, and we will even list a few ideas for how you and your friends or family can use the app together. Stay tuned to find out what July’s app will be, but for now, enjoy….

June’s App of the Month: Project Noah

The Project Noah app allows you to explore, document, and discover the nature and wildlife around you, wherever you are. Using your smartphone and the Project Noah app, you can share pictures of plants and animals you find with the Project Noah community, see what other community members have shared, and participate in field missions.

Apple users, download it here!
Android users, download it here!
Website: www.projectnoah.org 

how it works…

You can sign in with Facebook, Twitter, or another account to start being part of the community. The app has 3 main buttons: My Noah, Missions, and Field Guide. The My Noah section allows you to manage your account and goings-on with Project Noah.

In this section there is a large grey button to list a New Spotting, which allows you to document the wildlife you find. Clicking it allows you to upload up to 5 photos. You can tap a button to get help identifying the species and you can add tags to help describe the piece of nature.

The My Patches section shows you the patches you’ve earned by either uploading your spottings or participating in missions. In the My Noah section you can also check on the missions you’re currently working on.

To learn more about missions or to participate in a mission, tap the Missions button. Choose any mission listing that interests you in the Featured, Local, or Global sections.

The Field Guide section lets you browse and search through wildlife of all kinds. For example, you could click on one of the pictures in grid mode to view recent spottings, or you could click the location button to browse by location, or you can click the list button to browse in a list format.

Alternatively, you can tap the magnifying glass button, then type “ant” in to the search box; you’ll be presented with spottings of ants listed by others.

exploration ideas…

The Project Noah app can be fun to use alone or as a family and is appropriate for all ages, though littler ones will need help from an adult or teen to use and understand the app.

Try these ideas:

  • Go on a family hike in a local, state, or national park. See who can find recognizable pieces of nature and who can find unrecognizable pieces of nature. Be sure to log what you find in you’re my Noah section in Project Noah!
  • No time to head to the park? Have the kids slowly wander around the yard or driveway for a few minutes, looking for wildlife. They might be surprised at what they find… and you might be, too! Don’t forget to keep track of what they find in the My Noah section in Project Noah!
  • Select a mission or two to participate in as a family in the Missions section of Project Noah. Then, set aside a time each week to make progress on the mission and see how others are progressing as well.
  • Download the Project Noah app on a few devices within the immediate or extended family or in your group of friends, then compete to see who can get the most patches or make the most spottings! Try creating a family or friends group on Facebook to share your Project Noah activity, missions, patches, and findings!

10 Outdoor Activities for Children

                    

It’s springtime and what better way to enjoy the weather than to enjoy time outside with your kids!  They will soak up that Vitamin D and avoid sitting in front of the video game console for hours.

Here is your to do list:

  1. Take a nice nature hike or throw a frisbee at one of our many fine parks in Hendricks County.  
  2. Go on a scavenger hunt to see who can spot different items first.  For example a flower, a pine cone, a bumblebee, someone walking their dog, a seed, a squirrel, etc.
  3. Try to construct a house out of 20 items you find outside. 
  4. Find an inspiring location and paint or draw a masterpiece. You could each complete a part of one artwork or make your own individual works of art.
  5. Discover which trail you like best on a bike ride to the nearest ice cream shop.
  6. Start a garden.  Pick out your favorite fruits and veggies and get planting!
  7. Play a game or two of HORSE.
  8. Invite other neighborhood kids to create a sidewalk chalk mural, play hopscotch, or just to play on the swings.
  9. Make homemade smoothies or popsicles and enjoy them on a sunny day.  This website can get you started: http://laurasbestrecipes.com/2010/07/100-homemade-popsicle-recipes.html
  10. Wait for a windy day and let your kite soar!

Print off your to do list and get going!  If it’s a rainy day or you have already completed these activities you could always come visit the library!  There are a wide variety of programs for all ages so don’t forget to register or drop in!

Emily enjoying Hummel Park’s twister slide!

~Emily