Science
In a 21st Century Classroom
Student Engagement
In this 21st Century world, technology has become a key component in cross-curricular education.
This video provides a good example of what it looks like to implement the use of technology during class time. For time's sake, feel free to just watch some of this video, but think about how this class would be different if students were not using technology. Would they enjoy class as much? Would they learn as well?
Games
Education World has compiled a list of games intended for students from Kindergarten through 12th Grade, covering several topics within the science curriculum.
http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/archives/sciencemachine.shtml
Games, though they motivate students extrinsically, can be a powerful way to begin a lesson and foster interest in a topic.
Using Videos for Labs and Experiments
Video labs and experiments can be a great way to do experiments that are too complex to do with a class. Using videos can also provide an expert perspective on different topics.
This is a very great supplemental resource!
The video below is just an example of a video lab experiment. It's not necessary to watch it unless you are interested in melting rates.
Use Discovery Education to Discover the World from the Classroom!
View this video and think about which age levels this would be appropriate for. Would you use the Discovery Learning iPad app with elementary students AND high school students, or just one or the other?
Problem Based Learning is a highly effective way for students to learn about a specialized topic. It gives students a problem (or a project) and asks them to solve it, or if they can't, to discuss what they learned from the project. It allows students to become experts and teach the class.
View the video below and think about this school is unique in their implementation of technology and PBL. How could this be used with younger grades?