Content_Based_Technology_Tools

= Content Based Technology Tools =

Tools Used
Wordle (Yesterday's Re-Cap), Wikis, Google Docs/Templates/Forms/Spreadsheets, Applets, Screencasting

Learning Goals

 * Examine the role of the 21st century Science Teacher
 * Explore the use of online applets for inquiry based experimentation
 * Investigate the of Google Docs as a platform for collaborating on an experiment using an applet.
 * Create a screencast as a means to demonstrate understanding of a scientific concept.
 * Use Google Forms as a means of formative or summative assessment.


 * NOTE ABOUT COPYRIGHT **
 * If you use any images, make sure you are following copyright by only using Creative Commons w/ attribution images. This is easily done with Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/creativecommons/. > You can also use Google "Advanced Image Search" : [|http://www.google.com/images.]

TPAK- What's different about science teaching?


Pedagogy? Content Knowledge? Technology? Hardware: Laptops LCD projectors Digital Microscopes*** Vernier/Pasco Probes*** Digital Cameras/Video*** Speakers Hot plates/gas/lab equipment

Software: Probe software Spreadsheets Math skills - equations, basic skills Graphing/Tables Video editing Audio (Garage band/Audacity) Wiki Comics Photos

Step 1: Exploring an Applet for a Experiment in Projectile Motion
1. Go to the projectile motion applet at [] 2. Choose "Run Now". Play around with this applet for 5 minutes or so. 3. For this experiment we will be studying the variables that affect the projectile motion of an object. Observe image 1 of the applet. Group Question: What are the variables that alter projectile range (distance), height, and the time it is in the air?

Independent Variables? Object, Air R., Mass, Speed, Angle, Diameter Dependent Variables? Range, Height, Time

Image 1. Applet for projectile motion.

4. We will divide into small groups (3) and each test different variables as related to projectile motion. Groups should choose different variables.  Group 14 Group 24 Group 34 Group 44 Group 54 Group 64 Group 74 Group 8 4

Step 2: Using Google Docs as a platform for collaborative lab reports
1. Each group will use a collaborative document to create their lab report. Each person must have a Google Account such that they can create and contribute to the collaborative documents. You will be collaborating using Google Docs and Google Spreadsheets (Graphs).

2. Each group leader should login to Google docs and choose, "Create New" > "From Template". Do a search for SLI-Projectile. You will choose this template for your lab report. Next change the name of the document. You must also change the permissions such that your lab partners can work on your document too. You will share this document completely for the sake of this experiment. On your group page on the Wiki, you will post the URL to your Google Doc so that every one in your group can work on it.

3. Complete the lab report reflecting upon any additions you would make, pictures you would add, multimedia you might incorporate, and data you might collect using a spreadsheet. Have your instructor check your lab report- especially the conclusions.

4. Now create your own Google document that could be used by students using a different applet. You will enter the information on your Group wiki page. Make sure that the lab report or document that you create is rigorous and requires:

a. Collaboration b. Higher order thinking (Think Bloom's Digital Taxonomy) c. Clear organization of data

Enter the URL of your Google Document on your Group Page.

Step 3: Using screencasting to demonstrate understanding.
Next, you will use [] to create a screencast, explaining your results from the projectile motion applet. Each person in your group will create their own screencast and post it to your group page. You will use the applet and your group page to explain your findings.

a. Open the webpage, applet, or document (could even be a PowerPoint) and have them ready to use for your screencast. b. Open [] and sign-in and choose create. You will want to write out or script what you will do for your screencast. It should be as brief as possible- explaining how the variable you worked with affected the projectile motion of the object. Post your screencast to []. c. Place the URL to your screencast on your group page.

An alternative to screencasting would be to digitally record an explanation of your findings. You would just need a digital camera for this (with sound) and the ability to upload the video to a video sharing site (YouTube, TeacherTube, etc.)

Step 4: Using Google Forms to demonstrate understanding.
Next, your group will create an online assessment about the experiment that you designed around an applet. Students can use the applet to complete the assessment. Focus on higher order questions. You will use Google Forms for the assessment. You will access google docs and choose "Create New" > Form. Refer to Bloom's Digital Taxonomy to help you form your questions. Enter the URL or embed the assessment on your Group Page.