Web Buzz: Map the World by Travelzoo

Here’s an interactive jigsaw puzzle app to help kids learn world geography.

Name: Map the World by Travelzoo

Available for: iPad

What it does: Separates the map of the worlds into nine puzzles kids can choose: the United States, Canada, Central America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and Oceania, and Oceans and Seas.

Cost: Free

What’s hot: It’s a great visual tool that teaches the locations of more than 360 countries, states, provinces, islands, oceans and seas across the seven continents. I like that there’s a lot of applause after a puzzle is completed, because rewards are a key to keeping children interested in apps. There’s a timer too, if the kids are ready for competition. This is a very simple and straightforward app. Don’t expect any animation or games except the puzzles.

What’s not: The “How to Play” section would be better if it had some instructions; instead, it’s just another puzzle. A few sentences would be nice for parents who are new to apps.

Worth it? Absolutely. It’s geared to kids, but I enjoyed brushing up on my geography too. Never heard of Malawi? Me neither. The African nation is one of the world’s poorest countries, and Travelzoo is encouraging parents to donate $1 to Open Arms Malawi, a charitable organization that builds and funds orphanages and medical programs that care for the country’s 1 million orphaned and abandoned children.