Design an App

Gail DickinsonGermantown Middle School

8th Grade STEM

Introduction to STEM

• STEM is the integration of science, technology, engineering and math.

Lesson Modules

1. Introduction2. Recommend an App3. Design an App4. Research How to Design and Produce an App5. Coding

1. Introduction

This includes information that is required to do the lesson.

What is an App?• The word app is a noun, and it’s short for “application.”  Application

in this case refers to a software application — in other words, a software program. (example: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint)

• The term "app" is used to refer to any application for any device, but when used alone, it usually refers to software downloaded onto cell phones.

• A cell phone or mobile app is any cell phone application.

• Apps are purchased & installed by phone users.

• Apps are smartphone add-ons that perform functions other than making a phone call.

(ranging from games to medical monitoring)

Buying and Downloading Apps

• Apps must be purchased and downloaded through a retailer associated with the operating system (OS) of the phone being used. – For example – iPhone uses the Apple Store App to

purchase an app

• To purchase – must have a username/password & credit card on file– Some apps have a charge others are free – usually

with limitations.

Screenshot – App Store

Sample Apps

Click here

2. Recommend an App

• The Top 148 Free Apps website provides information about iPhone apps.

• In this activity students will research what is contained in an app and information about iPhone apps.

Student Samples

• Recommend an app• Show student samples

Recommend an App Lesson

• In this introductory lesson students will review an app online to gather information included in an app.

Activity Worksheet – Rec an app

Pricing

• The price for an app is typically determined by the person or company that created it, not the retailer.

• Usually, these applications cost significantly less than computer software

• Many are available for free, often with integrated advertising or are limited.

• Some apps require a paid subscription, which can add to the cost over time.

Let’s Look at a Cool App

• Download the free app called:

coLAR Mix

3. Research How to Design an App

• Research Paper• (hand out copies of research paper)

http://www.bluecloudsolutions.com/articles/build-mobile-app-10-steps/

4. Design and Programming

• Students will research the fundamentals of how to design and program an app.

Design an App Activity

• Working in groups design your own app using the same information from the Recommend an App lesson using PowerPoint.

Student samples

Design and Programming

• Designing applications for mobile devices requires diverse skills, – graphic design – computer programming

• While it is possible to work alone, most are created by teams of people working together on specific programs.

• There are a number of companies that have become quite successful designing and selling popular apps.

Design (cont.)

Some schools offer courses in cell phone app design– The focus is on programming languages and user

interfaces, but many designers are self-taught. – Online resources offer information for beginners to

start creating software. – Communities of programmers often offer help with

specific problems, and sample code is widely available.

– Common programming languages include Java® and Objective-C, but the language used depends on the operating system.

Show design an app in 3 hours video

5. Coding

• What is coding?– Codes are written programs, procedures or

rules and associated documentation pertaining to the operation of a computer system.

– It is also called computer language.–

• View video: https://www.madewithcode.com/

Let’s Try Some Simple Coding

• Hour of code- http://learn.code.org/

• Objective C – code for cell phone apps –http://tryobjectivec.codeschool.com/levels/1

Creating an App With No Coding

• You can create an app with a template for free at:

http://appsbar.com

Questions/Comments?

gdickinson@madison-schools.com