Week 6 - Apps for Science Instruction

Throughout this class, we have discussed different technological means for teaching our students.  We have looked at countless online resources and even different types of hardware that can be beneficial in the classroom.  One type of technology that hasn't been mentioned until now is the use of apps on the smart phone to help with learning.  Two years ago a chemistry teacher at the school where I teach received a grant for iPods to help with certain concepts.  She downloaded several apps that are helpful to her students.  I went on a search of my own and found some applications that would be beneficial in my area of teaching.  I've included the apps and a summary of how they can be used below!

#1 - Leafsnap

I actually downloaded this app when I was snow skiing because I wanted to know about a particular leaf.  After exploring this app I concluded that it would be very helpful to my Botany students.  This app allows students to take pictures of leaves they find and it will identify what type of leaf it is.  They are able to make leaf collections on the app based on the pictures they take.  They are also able to browse particular types of leaves dependent on location.  This would make a great project for students!

#2 - Khan Academy

I did not know until researching for this blog but there is a Khan Academy app! This is a definite must for science classrooms.  Sal does a great job of explaining different science concepts in an easy to understand manner.  This app allows students to watch the different videos to increase their understanding of confusing classroom topics. 

#3 - Science Glossary

Science Glossary is a great go-to app for students that have forgotten a particular science term or even the works of a certain scientist.  This app provides pictures to help increase the understanding of the student.  This app would be beneficial for students who are working on science projects and need a little extra help with science terminology. 

#4 - BiolQ: Biology Picture Game

This app utilizes a topic we mentioned at the beginning of this class.  It teaches biology through the help of a game.  This app is an interactive game that teaches different topics in biology.  Students can review information through an interactive model of the cell and reinforce their learning of the vocabulary associated with each topic.  It is a picture game that requires the student to not only be able to remember vocabulary words but also label the topic at hand.  

Week 5 - Digital Citizen

The internet has become a way of life.  Most of us use the internet on a daily basis to complete multiple task. Because we are constantly using this technology, it is important that we be good digital citizens.  Being a good digital citizen isn't limited to not bullying and respecting others, but it is also about respecting the work of others by following copyright rules or by making sure your computer is protected from virus software.  We have a responsibility as digital citizens to follow the rules that are set online and be courteous of those also using this amazing technology.  Often times, as in my technology class, the only means by which a student and teacher will meet is online.  This online meeting can set the atmosphere for the student/teacher relationship.  Without proper digital etiquette, this atmosphere can become a negative one and be detrimental toward the overall class experience.  A good digital reputation not only affects us as a person, but also those we are associated with.  If I have personal accounts where I am attacking a particular business, friend, or even fellow employee or employer, I make my workplace and associates look bad as well as myself.  Being a good digital citizen promotes positive influence and respect when one looks to another for a particular service or for job opportunities.  A bad digital reputation can ruin these opportunities even if there is no relation between the opportunity and what was said online.  By respecting the internet and being a good digital citizen, we can play more of a positive role on others and can in turn help ourselves.

Week 4 - Materials Generators

Materials generators are very important in the classroom.  I have used them quite often and I am sure a lot of teachers greatly rely on them.  Materials generators include desktop publishing software, web page editors, test generators, and worksheet or puzzle generators.  The list could go on and on.  Recently, I have used web page editors, whiteboard activity software, and test generators.

Last week, I used a web page editor several times in the classroom.  I created two glogs on edu.glogster.com and I also had each student in my Pre-Biology class create their own glog.  The students were required to design the background in a way that was relevant to the topic.  They could choose between DNA, mitosis, or meiosis.  They had to include five notes that gave sufficient information so anyone could read the web page and understand.  They also had to include a hyperlink and a video - all of which were vital to the understanding of the material.  They really enjoyed the project and it was beneficial in their learning.


On a weekly basis I also use a type of whiteboard activity software.  In each of our classrooms at the high school, we have a MIMIO.  The MIMIO uses the projector to project the working "screen" onto the dry erase board.  We are then able to use a special pen to write anything we want onto the projection in order to explain different topics.  I am able to make power-points on the MIMIO and write on the screen as we go through the slides.  This allows me to be at the front of the classroom instead of by the computer clicking through slides.  It also allows the students to be more interactive.  There are several games/activities that can be incorporated into the MIMIO slides/software that allow for the students to come to the board and use the pen and software for themselves.

Seeing as it is near the middle of the nine-weeks, we have mid-point common assessments coming up soon.  This, and nine weeks tests, are when I most often use the test generators.  This allows me to spend less time setting the test up on word and checking the spacing, fonts, answer choices, and etc.  Test generators are very useful for when I do vocabulary test on all the chapter science terms.

These are all very useful and I use materials generators on a regular basis.  I'm sure most of you do too!