Science programs in the classroom
- 1. SCIENCE PROGRAMS IN THE CLASSROOM by Joshua Strickland
- 2. ETEC 5610 DR. ANNETTE KIMBALL S U B T I T L E G O E S H E R E Add a Footer 2
- 3. SCIENCE PROGRAMS In today’s ever changing informational landscape, the ability to educate our students has never had a more available toolset to use. Our push to implement new ways to teach has given rise to programs that allow newly discovered information to be passed down to everyone within days as opposed to weeks or months. Theories, discoveries, and experiments can now be explored in the classroom in depth with fully integrated programs meant to lead students to the information through their own practice rather than just reading about it in an, often times, outdated book. These programs are also free to use and can be accessed by everyone which can eliminate the need for money to be spent on books. Lets look at some of these programs, some of which I’ve mentioned before. Add a Footer 3
- 4. First, lets start with one of the most important reasons for initiating a technological program and that is student improvement. A recent published report took data over the last 15 years and found that, while “giving every student a laptop doesn’t automatically increase their score, it was an important first step.” It was found that this step was almost important as implementing smaller class sizes and providing individual tutoring. Another important detail that the study brought forth was the ability of students to perform and adapt in other fields outside of a classroom environment when compared to students who weren’t exposed to tech programs. http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/DigitalEducation/2016/05/one-to- one_laptop_test_scores.html Add a Footer 4
- 5. Technology and Science So this brings us to how a science classes can be improved using technology. One of the main aspects of science is the “doing”. Meaning, we can talk about theories and ideas all day in the class, but when are we going to get hands on practice concerning what we’ve learned? This is where technology and science meet! To the right is a list of some really fun science based programs that are free to use and easy to access. We will talk about a few in the following presentation. Science Based Online Programs • https://www.nationalgeographic.org /education/ • https://www.ck12.org/student/ • https://phet.colorado.edu/ • https://www.zooniverse.org/ • https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ Add a Footer 5
- 6. SCIENCE SITES USE FOR THE CLASSROOM Many of the sites listed previously have educational videos as well as modules and research tasks that enable students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to designed experiments that can help fill in the missing pieces. Often times, this additional avenue of learning can help students that may be kinesthetic learners by allowing them to explore at their own volition. Add a Footer 6
- 7. SCIENCE SITES USE FOR THE CLASSROOM For instance, on the website for PHET (Physics Educational Technology), there is a Biology module for Gene Expression. This interactive simulation allows the students to manipulate DNA and discover what the results would be. Another example is an article on NatGeo that teaches students about environmental impact factors with while providing vocabulary words in the text according to a chosen grade level. This allows learning on two fronts, science and reading. Add a Footer 7
- 8. It is important o also discuss how science programs can affect the learning abilities of students as they grow older. As mentioned before, the landscape has changed and will continue to change as generations are born, grow up, and pass on. The sooner technology is introduced that allows the students to use these same programs (or better versions in the future), the more prepared they are for the next grade level. One of the biggest drawbacks at my school when introducing lessons or activities online, is that many of my 11th and 12th graders aren’t tech savvy when it comes to using the Chromebooks. This has introduced a hurdle in using the science programs as the majority of these programs require a certain amount of computer education to even be able to access the google classroom links. Fortunately, as the year has progressed, these students have taught themselves what is needed to complete the online assignments and because of this many have discovered a new appreciation for something they felt wasn’t going to be a part of their lives post high school. Add a Footer 8
- 9. In conclusion, science based programs are a fun and engaging way to further expand on a teachers lesson or as a avenue for further development of a students desire to learn. Many times I have left online modules for students to complete that expand on what we have discussed in our classroom. These modules keep the students entertained by using scores, levels, and other progression options that gives the students a sense of accomplishment. I have been told that doing these modules has eliminated confusion that has crept into their work when we have performed certain tasks in class. Because of this, I have begun to institute assignments from these websites into our everyday lesson plan as a subliminal resource and, at times, a engaging and fun activity to break them from any doldrums. Add a Footer 9
- 10. These programs also provide instruction to students who may come for lower income areas where a science lab that is equipped with vials, beakers, elemental compounds, and other tools for experimentation isn’t as readily available. Because of these programs a student can still get a thorough understanding of light waves or reaction and rates which in turn gives them a wider sample size of information that could spark an interest in a scientific field. If you feel any of these links could help your science class please feel free to use them. Like I stated in the beginning, the best part about these programs is that they are free to use. No student should go without an opportunity to fully experience what science has to offer. Add a Footer 10
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