For learners studying ancient civilizations or just those fascinated by Egypt, The Pyramids provides a way to explore the tombs and pyramids of ancient Egypt in 3-D. As learners walk through passageways or fly over the Sphinx, they can touch any object or painting to learn more about it including information on who created it, what it is thought to represent, and how it fits into the culture of ancient Egypt. Students can zoom in on paintings to examine them more closely and select objects to view from all angles by rotating them. There is also an accompanying interactive book full of additional information for curious learners.

Website: https://www.commonsense.org/education/app/the-pyramids

What Users Love About the App

“The Pyramids app has three modes: a virtual-reality type exploration of the Giza Plateau, a 3D artifact gallery, and a reference “book.” All three are easy to use. Students can view the pyramids and tombs from every angle and then travel inside to have a look around.”

“As a part of our Ancient Egypt unit, students are always fascinated about the pyramids. Rather then just read about the pyramids, this app allows students to go inside the pyramids and explore for themselves.”

“It is a great tool to use for students to get that walk through experience of exploring the pyramids. The immediate reaction is that students want to explore on their own. Students complete an Ancient Egyptian Museum project and those that are interested in pyramids find this app to be a useful resource to use during the construction of their project.”

“I used this app for a virtual field trip in a 7th grade Social Studies lesson as an introduction to Ancient Egypt. I opened with the Egypt Google Street View Trek to focus the students and get them excited about the virtual field trip we were about to take. We gave each student a loose guide they could use to write on and give them a starting point in the app.”

“I learned about this app during an Apple-sponsored workshop and was very interested in using it in the classroom. This app is worth every penny, and it’s half off when you buy more than twenty with Apple’s volume purchasing.”

What Users Dislike About the App

“Just a warning that a couple of artifacts are nude statues, so it may not be appropriate for younger grades.”

“Some students (and teachers!) might get “lost” inside the pyramids and tombs, but that is part of the appeal. Students who are gamers will have no difficulty moving about and following the locator map in the corner of the screen, but others may need a little time to practice.”

“Interesting but limited in content. The digital recreation is way off from the actual photo. King Tut tomb is not included which is a real letdown. Not worth the $ and pretty much a one time app.”

“Not worth that much.”