Smarter Science

Smarter Science ways to use interactive whiteboards in your science class

Objectives

Why use interactive whiteboards?

Take a look at a variety of science simulations.

Demonstrate how software interacts with whiteboards

In order to….

help kids tackle science concepts interactively

Why Use Interactive WhiteBoards in Science?

Enhance instruction and engage learners on many levels.

Teaching for the Millenium

The teacher at the front of the class and the whole class engaged together...

It gives the teacher instant access to a vast array of electronic resources...

It enables seamless links to be made between the technology and the subject material...

Teachers are rethinking their approach to teaching...

The flexibility and the scope for imaginative lesson planning is huge...

Pages can automatically be saved and can be printed, emailed or even pasted into a website...

The flipchart files can be updated or merged with other Windows applications...

Have a direct effect on classroom practices.

http://www.manzana.co.nz/resources/publications/dianne_gilroy/3_Case_Study.htm

EFFECTS ON TEACHING Renewed enthusiasm Work able to be saved for future use and reference Pre-made templates - saves prep time Group work able to be seen from other areas of the classroom Large enough for whole class learning experiences All work / notes able to be saved Before and after examples able to be viewed and amended Wider range of resources available Teaching becomes more creative EFFECTS ON LEARNING Students highly motivated Increased attention span Students choosing to do Assist visual learners colors for memory assistance and recall Kinesthetic learners touching– increase in understanding of content Shy / reluctant students more willing to “have a go” Low achievers willing to take risks and attempt answers Before and after examples able to be viewed and amended Tasks become fun – editing work Learning becomes more creative

Ways to Use

Manipulating text and images;

Taking notes in digital ink;

Saving notes for review;

Viewing web sites as a group;

Demonstrating or using software at the front of a room vs. behind a computer;

Creating digital lesson activities with templates and images;

Showing and writing notes over educational video clips; Using presentation tools built into the interactive whiteboard software to enhance learning materials; and

Showcasing student presentations.

Brainstorm Ideas for Whiteboards

in Science

Categorize (i.e., landforms, creatures)

Compare characteristics and properties (i.e., rocks/minerals, plant/animal cells, vertebrates/invertebrates)

Conduct a dissection (i.e., frog, owl pellet)

Explore science visuals and processes (i.e., cell parts, electrical circuit, life cycle, mitosis, water cycle)

Explore solar system

Go on virtual field trips

Label parts of plants and animals (i.e., skeletons)

Records scientific data (i.e., atmospheric pressure, wind, temperature, humidity, clouds).

Write questions for an online expert

Trace plagues, spread of fires, and other movement.

Ideas for Whiteboards

Where do we find ‘em?

University of Colorado Physics Education Technology (PhET) project

http://www.colorado.edu/physics/phet/web-pages/simulations-base.html

http://phetdb.colorado.edu/contrib_list.php

My Physics Lab

http://www.myphysicslab.com/

Molecularium

http://www.molecularium.rpi.edu/kidsite.html

WhyFiles Interactives

http:// whyfiles.org/interactives /

Science Resources for Elementary Classrooms

http://www.internet4classrooms.com/science_elem.htm

Using Interactive Websites & Simulations

Science Links from MCIU

http://www.mciu.org/mciu23/cwp/outside_pages/interface/showlinks.asp?cat=Science&pg=1

Wicked Science Stuff

http:// www.tki.org.nz/r/wick_ed/index.php

Al's Tutorials

http:// www.zoology.ubc.ca/~biomania/tutorial/tutoutln.htm

Using Notebook Software

There are tons of great sites where you can find notebook lessons for download

http://technology.usd259.org/resources/whiteboards/smartlessons.htm#ScienceAndHealth

http://www.center.k12.mo.us/edtech/SB/templates.htm

http://www.lgfl.net/lgfl/leas/greenwich/accounts/subjects/ictteam/Resources/Courses/Whiteboards/Science/?verb=list

http://www.kenton.k12.ky.us/SmartBoard/smartscience.htm

Other Resources

Engaging Learners the SMARTboard Way http://www.eduscapes.com/sessions/smartboard/

Smart Technologies "Science and Technology" templates - free to download http://education.smarttech.com/ste/en-US/Ed+Resource/Software+Resources/Notebook+collections/Science+and+Technology/?sort =