By Tanni Haas, Ph.D. | Contributor
February 19 is Presidents Day, a great occasion to teach the kids about George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and all the other presidents who’ve made our country what it is today. Luckily, there are many fun and informative apps that can help refresh your memory if that long-ago civics education is getting a bit rusty. The best part is that all these apps are completely free, so encourage the kids to download an app – or three!
1600
(Available at: Apple App Store)
Few things say the U.S. Presidency more clearly than that famous white building on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Did you know that George Washington oversaw its construction but never actually lived in it? (That was news to me). Its first inhabitants were our second president, John Adams, and his wife Abigail. If you want the kids to know more about the White House’s many proud traditions, have them download 1600. Created by the White House Historical Association, this app includes a narrated history by former presidential press secretary, John Earnest, a detailed tour of the building, and it teaches kids about important, annual events like the White House Easter Egg Roll.
Win the White House
(Available at: Apple App Store, Google Play)
Encourage the kids to download Win the White House if they happen to have presidential ambitions themselves, because what kid hasn’t dreamed about being the president at one point or another! This app teaches them what it takes to run for the White House. They learn how to launch and raise funds for a campaign, develop strong arguments and positions, poll voters to see which issues seem the most important, participate in candidate debates, and engage in targeted media campaigns. The kids are guided through the process, from primaries to the general election, by a virtual campaign manager who explains everything in a child-friendly manner.
U.S. 270
(Available at: Google Play)
It’s important to teach the kids that the road to the White House doesn’t go directly through the popular vote but through the Electoral College where the candidates need at least 270 votes to win. Kids can use U.S. 270 to imagine different outcomes depending on which candidates are likely to win which states. This app has historical data from all previous presidential elections.
Convene the Council
(Available at: Apple App Store, Google Play)
Convene the Council lets kids imagine that they’ve won the presidential election and are now responsible for U.S. foreign policy. As President, they are the head of the National Security Council and must respond to international incidents that threaten the security of the country. They learn how foreign policy decisions are made, how to weigh the pros and cons of various options such aid and sanctions, and what government agencies and departments are responsible for carrying out which decisions.
George Washington Mount Vernon
(Available at: Apple App Store)
George Washington wasn’t only our first president but also one of the most colorful ones. What kid wouldn’t find it fun to learn that he was an animal lover (he had many dogs and horses) and was known as an avid dancer who closed down more than ball in his time. Have the kids learn more about George Washington and Mount Vernon, the estate he called home for most of his life, by downloading George Washington Mount Vernon. This app takes them an extended tour of the history, architecture, and gardens of this famous estate. It includes an interactive map with all the key locations and a real-time calendar of events which is useful if you should find the time for an actual visit.
The U.S. Presidents
(Available at: Apple App Store, Google Play)
Teach the kids about all the great presidents who travelled in George Washington’s footsteps by downloading The U.S. Presidents. This app includes detailed biographical profiles of all 46 U.S. presidents to date, in addition to lots of fun facts and famous quotes. Who knew that James Madison was the shortest president at 5 feet 4 inches while Abraham Lincoln, our tallest president so far, was a whole foot taller at 6 feet 4 inches!
About the Author
Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders at The City University of New York – Brooklyn College.