AppsFromResearch
Disaster Detector icon

Disaster Detector

Smithsonian Institution
Evidence Tier:TRUSTED

Expert-developed at a research institution

For:General Public & EnthusiastsKids & Youth
Free
Download on the App Store

App Summary

Disaster Detector teaches players how to analyze natural hazard data to forecast catastrophic events and prepare a virtual city for impact. The Smithsonian Science Education Center created the game to help middle school students learn how to interpret scientific tools and historical data. In 2017, the American Association of School Librarians recognized it as a Best App for Teaching & Learning for its value in inquiry-based STEM education.

App Screenshots

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Detailed Description

Functionality & Mechanism

This educational game from the Smithsonian Science Education Center tasks players with preparing a simulated city for natural disasters. The platform guides users through analyzing and interpreting data from scientific instruments like Doppler radar and seismometers. By leveraging current and historical data sets, players learn to forecast events such as tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes. The interface facilitates an understanding of how scientific tools support hazard prediction and how mitigation strategies are implemented to reduce potential damage.

Development & Context

  • The app was developed by the Smithsonian Science Education Center to align with national science standards for middle school students.
  • The news coverage highlights its recognition as a 2017 Best App for Teaching & Learning by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL).
  • The AASL committee selected the app for its value in promoting inquiry-based learning, creativity, and active participation among students.

Intended Use & Scope

Disaster Detector is an educational resource designed for middle school students, educators, and general learners in both classroom and at-home settings. Its scope is to teach the principles of data analysis for natural hazard forecasting. This platform is a learning game and does not function as a real-world disaster prediction or emergency response utility.

In the Media

Disaster Detector is named a 2017 Best App for Teaching & Learning by the American Association of School Librarians.

The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) named Disaster Detector to its 2017 Best Apps for Teaching & Learning list, recognizing the app in the STEM category for its educational value. "The AASL Best Apps for Teaching & Learning committee reviewed all of the apps submitted for consideration this past year, plus many more that our members have used themselves in an educational setting," said committee chair James Allen. The recognition highlights apps that foster innovation, creativity, and collaboration while supporting inquiry-based learning standards.

SiRead article

Disaster Detector

The Smithsonian Institution developed Disaster Detector to help cities predict and prepare for natural disasters, using data analysis and interpretation tools to forecast catastrophic events. The app teaches players how to analyze natural hazard data and implement mitigation tools by challenging them to save fictional Smithsonville from disaster damage. Disaster Detector is available as a website for desktop computers and as a downloadable application on the Apple App Store for iPad users.

SiRead article

Disaster Detector

Free

iOS