Five Map Apps to Help Children Learn Geography

~Zoe Allen

Kids nowadays are privileged to have portable technologies to help them with their studies and help create a globally-wired village. However, not all kids are geo-literate and by teaching them geography (for example with these map apps), they will learn to understand the physical and political realities surrounding them. Organizations like Thinkfinity are encouraging educators to use mobile technology to help their students learn.

Since most children love to play apps, here are 5 map apps to help children learn geography while they have fun. While playing these mobile games, they won’t even realize that they’re becoming geo-literate at the same time. Here are several map apps and games to help them learn more about the four corners of the world.

1. Geo-Me! (Crackerbox)

Sharpen your children’s map skills and learn more about demography with these map apps. In the game’s world map, they can tap on each glowing Geo-Me to learn more about a certain location. Kids can watch the animated videos and songs to know more about a country, city, and place. Also, they can view a specific country’s current population, anthromes, elevation, and climate. With Geo-Me!, kids can now develop a better understanding about different cultures, regional climates, and more. It’s the best way for them to explore the world, on their tablets.

2. Geo Challenge (XING, Inc.)

Designed by a team of mothers, it’s the perfect game to teach your kids about maps and the flags of the world. It has flashcards, puzzles, and quizzes to help jump start their curiosity about geography. The flag flashcards mini-game helps them memorize the different flags for each country. It also has map and flag quizzes, which tests their knowledge by selecting the correct answer. On the other hand, the map puzzles allow them to match each country to their place on the map. Also, Geo Challenge has spoken words to help younger children understand the geography better. Spin the globe, explore new continents, and boldly go where no kid has gone before.

3. Geo Map Quiz (Alexander Mokrushin)

Featuring 100 illustrated questions like “What country is this?” or “What capital is this?” this game tests your knowledge about cities, its capitals, and countries around the world. Basically, each quiz presents a fragment of a map, which you can tap to reveal 4 questions which you can choose from. If you chose the right answer, the button will turn green, while if you choose the wrong answer, it will turn red. Now, if you can’t give the right answer within 2 attempts, a hint box will appear to give you a clue. Geo Map Quiz is a good application to help children learn geography.

4. Geography Quiz Game (Webelinx DOO)

If you’re looking for map apps that your kids can play together with their friends, then the Geography Quiz Game is the one for you. With 3 player modes to choose from: Single, Multiplayer, and Challenge, they can either play solo or with a friend. In the Multiplayer mode: both players take their places at the opposite sides of a tablet, and since the screen is split in two, they can both see the question. The player who successfully chooses the right answer first wins the game. On the other hand, the single player mode is a good start to teach your child about geography. It’s also the best way for him to sharpen his skills for a multiplayer match. Let the games begin while having fun with your friends.

5. State Bingo and Road Trip U.S. (Niyaa LLC)

Packed with facts and trivia about the different states in the US, State Bingo and Road Trip U.S. helps kids learn more about historic routes and trails, land formations, natural resources, state parks, and topography. With two games available: road trip and bingo, children can choose what game they need to play. In the road trip game, they have to choose a trail and tap on it. Questions will pop-up with 3 answers to choose from. If they select the right answer, information about the state will appear and their car will move on. However, if they choose the wrong answer, they will be penalized with flat tires. Play it with your children and help them learn more about the United States with this fun application.

See this article for 8 more map apps to help children learn geography! I am always looking for more fun ways to expose kids to geography. What other geography games do you have in mind? Share them with us in the comments.

While I am in Mexico for the summer, I have some wonderful parents and educators sharing tips here about how they teach their children about the world. Today Zoe Allen shares 5 of her favorite map apps to help children learn geography. She also can be found talking about mobile phones, graphic design, pop music and fashion and design. In her spare time she can always find time for travel.

Geography Stars Year-long Geography Program

Our Geography Stars Program is a year-long program to expand the geographic knowledge of your students. Teachers will find all resources necessary to easily incorporate information about 35 countries into their day, including a power-point presentation, map quizzes, a letter home template, country of the week posters, a continent booklet, teacher answer keys, passport booklets and stamps, and a certificate of completion for students. It’s an amazing resource! Check it out now >

Passport Booklet and Stamps

We also offer our original Passport Booklet and Stamps separately at our TPT store. Students each get their own passport, which features inspirational quotes, and teachers can print the stamps out on paper or Avery labels. As students visit the different stations of the event, they can fill their own passports with stamps! The product also includes 8.5×11 posters. Go now! >