This document discusses blending traditional and technology-based approaches to motivate middle school students in science. It suggests using hands-on demonstrations and experiments, followed by activities like discussions, readings, labs, or webquests. It also recommends integrating technologies like webquests, podcasting, blogs, and wikis to engage digital learners and allow collaborative and active learning. The essential question asks how combining technology and traditional methods can motivate students and improve engagement in science learning.

1. A Blending of Approaches to Motivate Middle School Students Traditional and Techie Dr. Katrina Hunter and Dr. Linda Lewis University of North Alabama

2. A Blending of Approaches Hands-On Science Minds-On Investigative Inquiry-Based Constructivist Real World Traditional Techie

3. Now is the time for educators to revisit established and effective methods as well as consider new strategies, approaches, and resources for improving science instruction. Conderman, G., & Woods, C. S. (2008). Science instruction:An endangered species. Kappa Delta Pi Record . 22(2).

4. Windbag Demonstration The Bernoulli Bag What type of activities would generally follow a demo like this? Discussion Reading Research Lab Webquest – What Do Airplanes and Windbags Have in Common?

5. Why we need to blend approaches Digital learners Are “on-demand” learners Are proactive in determining what information they need Process information at “twitch speed” Relate to graphics (not text) first Learn through trial and error Solve problems within collaborative learning groups “ Do” first and ask questions later Have built elaborate communication systems around current technology Simpson, E., & Clem, F. A. (2008). Video games in the middle school classroom. Middle School Journal. 39(4).

6. Essential Question How does the integration of technology and traditional science methodologies motivate students and lead to more engaged learning?

7. Technologies for Motivating Students Webquests Podcasting Blogs Wikis

8. “ Whenever I go to school,” says one student I know, “I have to power down.” He’s not just talking about his devices – he’s talking about his brain.” Prensky, M. (2008). Turning the lights on. Educational Leadership, 65 (6). A Student Perspective

9. Webquests What is a webquest ? Webquests online Flight Up, Up, and Away http://www.spa3.k12.sc.us/WebQuests.html Create your own- Webquest.org What Do Airplanes and Windbags Have in Common?

10. Podcasting a digital media file or collection of files that is distributed over the internet. Gcast Free podcasting by cell phone or mp3 files Audacity Free audio software Our podcast question: How is Bernoulli’s Principle evident in the windbad demonstration.

11. Creating a Podcast

12. Blogging Link to Bernoulli Blog Coolcatteacher.blogspot a website where entries are made in journal style and displayed in a reverse chronological order. Advantages Provides centralized place for regular writing practice. Allows teacher/students to provide feedback on individual posts. Creates greater sense of community within a class. Gives voice to students who may not feel comfortable speaking aloud .

14. Wiki sites a website that allows multiple users to create, modify and organize web page content in a collaborative manner Wikispaces for educators Our Bernoulli Wiki Allows students to be Collaborators Synthesizers Explainers Problem Solvers Advantages Runs on older, slower computers FREE Simulates “Think-Pair-Share

15. Join the conversation! Engaging Science Wiki Engaging Students in Science and Technology

16. References Images used http://edcommunity.apple.com/ali/galleryfiles/10666/Digital%20Science%20Experiments.jpg http://www.vanguard.edu/vision2010/index.aspx?id=8267 http://www.islandgazette.net/photo2/pictures/January-23-2008/Page-3B-Mad-Science-Lab-1.jpg Video links http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-MSL42NV3c http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NN2I1pWXjXI

17. References Articles Conderman, G., & Woods, C. S. (2008). Science instruction:An endangered species. Kappa Delta Pi Record . 22(2). Prensky, M. (2008). Turning the lights on. Educational Leadership, 65 (6). Simpson, E., & Clem, F. A. (2008). Video games in the middle school classroom. Middle School Journal. 39(4).