image from Wikipedia Commons |
Connect to nature through technology
Happy Spring! Take time to get some fresh air and enjoy the beautiful weather. Integrate technology into your family’s outdoor experience to encourage an appreciation and a deeper understanding of the natural world.
iNaturalist
Take photos of plants, fungi, and animals (or even evidence of animals such as tracks, nests, shells, or skulls) and iNaturalist can help you identify these organisms. You can also connect with other scientists and naturalists who can help you learn more about nature. By recording and sharing your observations, you’ll create data for scientists working to better understand and protect nature. iNaturalist is a joint initiative by the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society. Thanks to the generous support of many organizations and individuals, it is FREE for anyone to use. iNaturalist is available on Google Play and Apple
Google Lens
Similar to iNaturalist, Google Lens can identify plants and animals from a photo. You can also take a self-guided architecture tour with Google Lens. Just take a picture of a building or a landmark and you can learn more about it. If you have Google Lens, be sure to look out for the Google Lens icon with the photo. Google Lens work slightly differently between Android and Apple devices.
What are you waiting for? Go out, explore, and learn more about the world around you today with technology.