This document outlines how digital tools can be integrated into science classrooms for grades 6-8. It defines web 2.0 tools as digital resources that support virtual learning, communication, and student work. Examples of tools are provided for earth science, life science, biology, and physics that can enhance lessons, provide collaboration opportunities, and differentiate instruction to meet student needs. Specific apps and online simulations are suggested for using on tablets or computers to engage students and bring science concepts to life. The document encourages teachers to utilize these free resources to enhance existing lessons or develop new curriculum in an easy and student-centered manner.
2. Science for Grades 6-8
Since Science is a requirement for all
students in grades 6-8, it makes sense to
meet the needs of all students.
As a way to meet the needs of all
students, web 2.0 tools can help teachers
and students
3. What are Web 2.0 Tools?
Digital Tools ranging online to tablets
Tools that create or support a virtual
learning environment.
Tools that support communication and
cultivate relationships.
Resources to support teaching and
learning.
Tools enabling students to showcase work
and take pride in their learning.
4. How will these tools help my
science curriculum?
Open lines of communication
Provide collaboration opportunities
Enhance the learning experience
Showcase students’ work
Differentiate & Meet all students’ needs
Motivate students and teachers
Make learning EASY!!!
9. Web 2.0 Tools for Earth
Science:
The Kahn Academy
Solar Storm Watch
Science Spot
PhET
McGrawhill Virtual Labs
GoogleSky
NOVA
Kids Science Experiments
Discovery Kids
10. More Earth Science Resources:
Ocean Observing Science
Bill Nye Science Guy Do-it-Yourself Demos
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research
Institute
NASA - Kids' Club
Earth Rise on the Moon:
Shoot a Cannon into Orbit
Your Weight on Other Planets
11. Tools for Life Science:
McGrawhill Virtual Labs
PhET- (simulations and virtual labs)
Science Spot (lesson plans)
GoAnimate (create animated presentations)
Zunal (webquest creator)
Kids Science Experiments (virtual experiments & lesson
plans)
Discovery Kids (science games & activities)
EcoKids (lessons & interactive games on ecology and eco-
friendly discussions
National Geographic Environmental News (news headlines)
Switcharoo Zoo (interactive game with animals- great for
classification!)
Voki (animation for presentations)
Edublog – (blogging sites like these create wonderful
outside of classroom discussions!)
12. Just for Biology…
Comparison of Meiosis and
Mitosis
Mitosis and Cytokinesis Mitosis with Music
Control of the Cell Cycle
(game)
PBS: Evolution (program
resources)
The Kahn Academy
DNA Workshop Virtual Heart Surgery
Vital Scanning Electron
Microscope Activity
Digestion.swf Interactive
Activity
Virtual Eye Dissection
The Biology Project:
Karyotyping Activity
DNA Extraction Activity Brain Pop
The Biology Project: Onion
Cell Activity
Virtual Salmon Dissection
Animated Tutorials - General
Biology
The Human Genome Project
How the Body Works -
Digestive System
Cells Alive
Genetic Science Learning
Center
EdHeads Interactive Science
Games
Inside the Cell (interactive
tour)
Biology in Motion
Eukaryotic Cell Animation
13. Let’s Get Physical…
Fear of Physics
(Laws of Physics)
FreezeRay
(Animations and simulations)
My Physics Lab
(Interactive Physical Science simulations)
PhET
(simulations and labs)
14. iPad Apps
Science 360
VideoScience
Quick Graph
Brain Pop
DataAnalysis
Science Lab
Frog Dissection
Rat Dissection
iCell
Mitosis
DiseaseGame
Prognosis
MindMash
The Rock
Cycle
eQuakeMap
Human Body
My Heart Rate
3D Brain
Virtual Heart
Build a Body
Food Web
Little Preds
Creatures of
the Light
15. So how do I use these
resources?
The links in the other slides can be used to
enhance already designed lessons or
created new curriculum!
Example:
The link: DNA Extraction Activity provides a
lesson on how to extract DNA with students
OR has a “virtual” extraction activity!
16. Some more examples…
Using GoAnimate allows you to create
research projects for students. Instead of
presenting research in front of the class with
a poster or power point, the students
created an animated video explaining
information.
See link for lesson plan example:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Iv2CpmWRflJZDQzWsf11eoHJPtrW
R-M4B_sQH61u2LM/edit?usp=drive_web
17. And…
Zunal (webquest creator) is a great tool
that allows you to create your own
webquests to teach material OR “borrow”
someone else’s already created
webquest!
Example of a Webquest I created:
http://zunal.com/webquest.php?w=136064%20
18. What about the apps??
Rat Dissection App for iPads instead of
dissecting a preserved rat. Saves money and
time!! (I actually use the Frog Dissection app
for students to use as a resource when
dissecting a preserved frog!!)
QRReader can be used to read QR codes for
notes (I have my students go on a “scavenger
hunt” around the school to find the codes
which are definitions to vocabulary terms)
19. Endless Possibilities…
When it comes to deciding which Web 2.0
tools to use, just keep in mind they are
meant to enhance the learning experience
and be student –centered, not take away
from the learning!!
20. One more thing…
In addition to all the resources mentioned, there
are even more found in the following links:
http://www.protopage.com/egaunce#Untitled/Bookmarks
https://delicious.com/#eringaunce2
Also, due to my experience as a 7th grade
science teacher, my classroom wiki may also
come in hand:
http://gauncesscienceclass.wikispaces.com/home