Science projects using technology
Science with technology is the best bet to teach young students biology, chemistry, physics, and other sciences.
Research shows that technology, when applied to science learning, motivates and engages students into scientific disciplines in higher education. Technology in this regard refers to anything facilitating the spread of information and communication.
Space mission
One such project is when students study astronomy and space physics by simulating real space missions. The virtualcontrolroom.org project is based around a control room (modeled after Houston’s Space Control Center) complete with digital models, simulations, 3D visualizations, among others.
This project targets students aged 16-18, wherein a real space mission is simulated. The “group” lands on a comet and takes samples for analysis. Little by little, the students realize the need for collaboration.
3D graphics
The Connect Project was designed to superimpose 3D graphics to multimedia information in a museum visitor’s field of vision, resulting in a kind of interactive film. As the students pass by an object on exhibit, they can wear special Augmented Reality spectacles to view the magnetic fields in said object. The same goes with helmet-mounted cameras for other classes to view via the Internet, and so forth—all for making unseen physical phenomena visible and hidden reality understood.
Collaboration
The Collaborative Learning and Distributed Experimentation (COLDEX) project is aimed at supporting exchanges between communities separated by distance. Because of COLDEX, schools from Latin America and EU can work together and examine scientific experiments using Digital Experimentation Toolkits on matters such as space science, seismology and robotics.
With it, students can try to find the epicenter of earthquakes by using real seismographic data, and the like.
Scientific models
For the ModellingSpace project, an open learning environment was created for students to present scientific ideas, using modeling software and other multimedia tools. In this modeling space, students can test ideas on math, physics, chemistry, biology and the environment.
Here, there are real-world simulations, model-building tools and other collaborative features for students. There’s also a teacher-support tool to analyze interactions between students.
Fun learning
The Lab of Tomorrow project placed tiny, programmable devices in clothing to monitor the heart rate and running speed, among others, of the person wearing the clothes. A device can even be attached to a basketball, and the students can compare the ball’s acceleration to the player’s heart rate.
This advanced technology helps keep student motivation high because students can see for themselves how knowing things such as heart rate and running speed are related in real life.
Here are some more science-related teaching resources:
The Brain: Teaching Modules- video modules
Case Studies in Science Education- a video library for science teachers
Discovering Psychology: Updated Edition
Earth Revealed- processes that shaped our planet
Growing Old in a New Age- common misconceptions about aging
The Habitable Planet- Earth’s natural systems and environmental sciences
Human Geography: People, Places, and Change
Learning Science Through Inquiry- shows inquiry teaching and learning
Planet Earth- shows foundation of Earth science
Reactions in Chemistry
Rediscovering Biology: Molecular to Global Perspectives
Science IMAGES- a video library
Science in Focus: Force and Motion
The Science of Teaching Science- has new methods of teaching science
Seasons of Life- stages of life from infancy to death
Unseen Life on Earth: An Introduction to Microbiology- focuses on the roles of microbes
Sources:
“Browse Teacher Resources.” Retrieved November 1, 2009 from
http://learner.org/resources/browse.html?discipline=0&grade=2
“Using technology for learning & teaching science.” Retrieved November 1, 2009 from
http://cordis.europa.eu/ictresults/index.cfm?section=news&tpl=article&BrowsingType=Features&ID=70609
(Published 9 November 2009, Smart Communications Inc.)
