Design an App
Gail Dickinson
Germantown Middle School
8th Grade STEM
Introduction to STEM
• STEM is the integration of science,
technology, engineering and math.
Lesson Modules
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Introduction
Recommend an App
Design an App
Research How to Design and Produce an App
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.)
Show design an app in 3
hours video
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.
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