Science is built on concepts and theories. The definition of science, according to dictionary.com is:
1.) a branch of knowledge or study dealing with a body of facts or truths systematically arranged and showing the operation of general laws: the mathematical sciences.
2.) systematic knowledge of the physical or material world gained through observation and experimentation.
4.) systematized knowledge in general.
5.) knowledge, as of facts or principles; knowledge gained by systematic study.
I teach science to alternative high school students in a former elementary building. It is not equipped with lab tables or a securely locked cabinet in a locked room to store many science materials. I have 6 different classes of 45 minute length. It is hard to get materials around for a demonstration, let alone a lab for these students. I have tried using computers in the library but often time there is not enough computers for all or enough time by the time the students truly get to the desired website effectively and efficiently. As a result, students lack experimentation and observation skills needed to comprehend many science concepts.
I have tried videos, text-based virtual labs and youtube demonstrations. However, many of these lack the attention grabbing content of a hands-on lab. I am looking for technology that is more interactive, more realistic.
The Plan
My goal is to use the 3D graphics of the iPad to bring science to life for my students. I spend countless hours explaining the scientific method and how it works. What is a hypothesis, a theory, a conclusion? There are so many realistic apps out there that will allow my students to apply the scientific method and hopefully come up with their own hypotheses. (Apps in Education http://appsineducation.blogspot.com/p/science-ipad-apps.html) These apps will simulate the hands-on experience they are missing, increase their learning and improve their thinking skills. Interactive learning takes basic book learning beyond the basic memorization and identification. It makes it real.
My chemistry class has not seen many of the elements of the periodic table beyond copper and aluminum. There are many Periodic Table of Element free apps, relatively cheap apps ($0.99 - 2.99) to expensive apps ($14.99) that offer different views of these elements and how they occur, what they look like and how they bond. Experiments that use chemicals that are not practical in our school classroom.
Biology could see cells divide and replicate in 3D. A Biology Glossary app brings biological terms to life. There are DNA and dissection apps to improve students' understanding. Flat diagrams have not impressed my students.
Physics is one I have to research more. I did find a Physics Review app that has reference tables and descriptions and examples of formulas.
I am a firm believer that if the teacher shows excitement toward a subject that that excitement rubs off on the teacher. I am so excited to research iPad use in my science classroom and enhance my students' learning and critical thinking. This will lead to higher scores on tests and ultimately the MEAP tests. Maybe, just maybe, one of my students' future will be in science or engineering.
Resources
Jorgensen, Amy (2011, May) What is the Importance of Using Science Equipment to Teach Science. (from http://ehow.com.info_10023675_importance-using-science-equipment-teach-science/...)
Hu, Winnie (2011, May) Math That Moves: Schools Embrace the iPad. More Schools Embrace the iPad as a Learning Tool - NYTimes.com.
Brown, Alan S. & Brown, Linda LaVine. What Are Science & Math Test Scores Really Telling U.S.?
I have tried videos, text-based virtual labs and youtube demonstrations. However, many of these lack the attention grabbing content of a hands-on lab. I am looking for technology that is more interactive, more realistic.
The Plan
My goal is to use the 3D graphics of the iPad to bring science to life for my students. I spend countless hours explaining the scientific method and how it works. What is a hypothesis, a theory, a conclusion? There are so many realistic apps out there that will allow my students to apply the scientific method and hopefully come up with their own hypotheses. (Apps in Education http://appsineducation.blogspot.com/p/science-ipad-apps.html) These apps will simulate the hands-on experience they are missing, increase their learning and improve their thinking skills. Interactive learning takes basic book learning beyond the basic memorization and identification. It makes it real.
My chemistry class has not seen many of the elements of the periodic table beyond copper and aluminum. There are many Periodic Table of Element free apps, relatively cheap apps ($0.99 - 2.99) to expensive apps ($14.99) that offer different views of these elements and how they occur, what they look like and how they bond. Experiments that use chemicals that are not practical in our school classroom.
Biology could see cells divide and replicate in 3D. A Biology Glossary app brings biological terms to life. There are DNA and dissection apps to improve students' understanding. Flat diagrams have not impressed my students.
Physics is one I have to research more. I did find a Physics Review app that has reference tables and descriptions and examples of formulas.
I am a firm believer that if the teacher shows excitement toward a subject that that excitement rubs off on the teacher. I am so excited to research iPad use in my science classroom and enhance my students' learning and critical thinking. This will lead to higher scores on tests and ultimately the MEAP tests. Maybe, just maybe, one of my students' future will be in science or engineering.
Resources
Jorgensen, Amy (2011, May) What is the Importance of Using Science Equipment to Teach Science. (from http://ehow.com.info_10023675_importance-using-science-equipment-teach-science/...)
Hu, Winnie (2011, May) Math That Moves: Schools Embrace the iPad. More Schools Embrace the iPad as a Learning Tool - NYTimes.com.
Brown, Alan S. & Brown, Linda LaVine. What Are Science & Math Test Scores Really Telling U.S.?
Great idea to use that new ipad! Make sure you purchase a VGA Adapter so that you can present from your data projector. If you district can afford it, Apple TV is even better, but it is $100 versus $28 for the adapter.
ReplyDeleteJust a couple of things to think about...
1. You will need to implement soon so you can get feedback
2. How are you going to get feedback?
3. How are you going to measure success?
It is a great idea and I support it!