Week 9 - Online Games and Simulations: The Future of Education?

Hi everyone, this week we will be using online games and simulations in order to learn about the three phases of matter.  Since it is very difficult to actually show you visible particles and how they separate, move, or condense in the classroom, simulations are an excellent way to bring this concept to life.  We will be using simulations to change different elements from a solid, liquid, and a gas.  You will use a simulation provided to "freeze" an element, "boil" an element, etc. 

So, with that being said, I thought it would be an excellent discussion topic to hear your thoughts about online games and simulations.  Many teachers believe that, with technology, these games and simulations are the future of education.  I also agree, because it allows teachers to demonstrate, teach, and bring certain activities/labs to the classroom that would otherwise be impossible.

Therefore, for this week's blog, I want you to visit the following site: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/category/new.  This website offers a ton of online simulations to choose from.  I want you to search through the science simulations and pick one to discuss.  Please do not use the phases of matter simulation being used in class.  You can compare simulations if you would like to discuss multiple ones, as well.  How do you think these simulations affect science classrooms?  Does it bring an added benefit?  Do you find that using simulations helps you understand the content better?  Or do you find that it makes learning more confusing?

After you have discussed your chosen online simulation and discussed the talking points above, I would like you to make an additional post about an online learning game you find to be helpful.  This game can be for any subject.  Also, this online game can be an app, as well.  Provide the name, website (if applicable), a description of the key features, and a reason why you find it so beneficial.

Week 8 - Gravity: To See or Not To See?

The newest hit movie, Gravity, has been described as "magnificent", "ground-breaking", "an absolute must-see", etc.  This movie, starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, is about two astronauts and their journey in space.  Why discuss this movie in our blog this week?  Well, in this next unit, we learn about mass and weight, as well as why your weight changes from the Earth to the Moon, while your mass remains the same.  All of these features depend on gravity.  The gravitational pull is the reason why Earth remains in orbit, why we don't fly off the Earth, etc.

Therefore, in class this week, we will be viewing this movie.  Your assignment will be to take notes as you watch this movie.  In addition, you will be required to list 20 facts your hear.  Upon completion of the film, I want you to choose several of your favorite facts and perform research to see if these facts are true or if the movie had any errors in its script.  I understand that the descriptions of the movie above are opinions only.  While I do want to hear your opinions, I am more focused on hearing about all of the facts this movie contains and if any of these "facts" were actually incorrect.


It is amazing how much science has changed the world of media.  Not only is this movie about science, but the making of this movie wouldn't be possible without science, either.  There is so much science has affected, changed, and improved.  Therefore, I strongly believe that viewing this movie will not only be a great transition to our next unit, which is scientific technology, but it will show us how important and overlooked gravity truly is.

Post your thoughts, research, and findings throughout this week and be sure to comment on at least three of your classmates.  Please note, that your original posts should be factual and include your research.  If you would like to share your opinion, please do so on an additional post.

Week 7 - Science Fair Projects: Find Any Advice?

 

Now that you have all finalized your science fair project choice, we will begin working on them.  The first checkpoint is next week, in which you have to have your experimental design layout presented, as well as your experiment started.  I thought this week's blog would be most beneficial to discuss many helpful tips, pointers, and advice that experts share in regard to science fair projects.  Your task this week is to visit the following site:  http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_guide_index.shtml

After reading through this site, I want you to choose your top three pieces of advice that you have found.  You will share these tips during this week's blog.  Please note, if you use a different website, you must include the link to that website. 

In addition to this task, I also want you to ask an expert a specific question about your science fair project.  This can be done only through the Science Buddies website.  Share your question and the expert's response on this week's blog.  This will be the last blog dedicated to the science fair, so it is essential that you understand the many ways and resources you can use for help with your projects.  If you have any questions not specific enough for the experts, please feel free to ask them on here and we will all help each other out.

 

*This blog will remain open until the projects are complete, so any time you have a question you can ask it on here and it will be answered.

Week 6 - Science Fair Ideas: What Interests You?

Now that it's time to begin conducting research in order to develop a creative science fair project, I thought it would be appropriate to share an article about the Broadcom MASTERS competition. (MASTERS stands for Math, Applied Science, Technology and Engineering for Rising Stars.)  If this sounds like something you would dream of being apart of, then it is important for you to understand how essential this science fair truly is. 

This year's Broadcom competition was won by an eighth-grader who researched “dancing” endangered tortoises. "River’s entry project described an unusual swaying behavior in an endangered species of tortoise.  The animals lived at a captive breeding facility where he volunteers.  In a project he called “The Rain Dance of the Radiata,” the teen observed how the tortoises rise up on their legs and sway back and forth whenever it rains.  At first, he thought the strange behavior might help the tortoises better avoid drowning during flash floods, which sometimes occur in their native Madagascar.  (It’s an island nation off Africa’s southeastern coast).  River conducted tests that disproved that notion." (Science News)

For this science fair, you will not only be creating an experiment, but you will also be conducting research, just like River Grace did, as well.  Therefore, during this week's blog, you are to begin researching ideas that you may want to focus on for your project.  Share your ideas, support it with a reason why, etc.  Also, if you come across any helpful tips, sites, or videos, feel free to post these as well.  By the end of the week, you will submit your final decision.

To read more about River Grace's project, as well as the Broadcom MASTERS competition, click the link below.

https://student.societyforscience.org/article/tortoise-studying-teen-takes-top-broadcom-prize