This document outlines how digital tools can be integrated into science classrooms for grades 6-8. It defines web 2.0 tools as digital resources that support virtual learning, communication, and student work. Examples of tools are provided for earth science, life science, biology, and physics that can enhance lessons, provide collaboration opportunities, and differentiate instruction to meet student needs. Specific apps and online simulations are suggested for using on tablets or computers to engage students and bring science concepts to life. The document encourages teachers to utilize these free resources to enhance existing lessons or develop new curriculum in an easy and student-centered manner.

1. Integrating
Digital Tools
into Today’s
classroom
Science

2. Science for Grades 6-8
 Since Science is a requirement for all
students in grades 6-8, it makes sense to
meet the needs of all students.
 As a way to meet the needs of all
students, web 2.0 tools can help teachers
and students

3. What are Web 2.0 Tools?
 Digital Tools ranging online to tablets
 Tools that create or support a virtual
learning environment.
 Tools that support communication and
cultivate relationships.
 Resources to support teaching and
learning.
 Tools enabling students to showcase work
and take pride in their learning.

4. How will these tools help my
science curriculum?
 Open lines of communication
 Provide collaboration opportunities
 Enhance the learning experience
 Showcase students’ work
 Differentiate & Meet all students’ needs
 Motivate students and teachers
 Make learning EASY!!!

5. 6th Grade Standards

6. 7th Grade Standards

7. 8th Grade Standards

8. Tools that can be used to
teach the standards:

9. Web 2.0 Tools for Earth
Science:
 The Kahn Academy
 Solar Storm Watch
 Science Spot
 PhET
 McGrawhill Virtual Labs
 GoogleSky
 NOVA
 Kids Science Experiments
 Discovery Kids

10. More Earth Science Resources:
 Ocean Observing Science
 Bill Nye Science Guy Do-it-Yourself Demos
 Monterey Bay Aquarium Research
Institute
 NASA - Kids' Club
 Earth Rise on the Moon:
 Shoot a Cannon into Orbit
 Your Weight on Other Planets

11. Tools for Life Science:
 McGrawhill Virtual Labs
 PhET- (simulations and virtual labs)
 Science Spot (lesson plans)
 GoAnimate (create animated presentations)
 Zunal (webquest creator)
 Kids Science Experiments (virtual experiments & lesson
plans)
 Discovery Kids (science games & activities)
 EcoKids (lessons & interactive games on ecology and eco-
friendly discussions
 National Geographic Environmental News (news headlines)
 Switcharoo Zoo (interactive game with animals- great for
classification!)
 Voki (animation for presentations)
 Edublog – (blogging sites like these create wonderful
outside of classroom discussions!)

12. Just for Biology…
Comparison of Meiosis and
Mitosis
Mitosis and Cytokinesis Mitosis with Music
Control of the Cell Cycle
(game)
PBS: Evolution (program
resources)
The Kahn Academy
DNA Workshop Virtual Heart Surgery
Vital Scanning Electron
Microscope Activity
Digestion.swf Interactive
Activity
Virtual Eye Dissection
The Biology Project:
Karyotyping Activity
DNA Extraction Activity Brain Pop
The Biology Project: Onion
Cell Activity
Virtual Salmon Dissection
Animated Tutorials - General
Biology
The Human Genome Project
How the Body Works -
Digestive System
Cells Alive
Genetic Science Learning
Center
EdHeads Interactive Science
Games
Inside the Cell (interactive
tour)
Biology in Motion
Eukaryotic Cell Animation

13. Let’s Get Physical…
 Fear of Physics
(Laws of Physics)
 FreezeRay
(Animations and simulations)
 My Physics Lab
(Interactive Physical Science simulations)
 PhET
(simulations and labs)

14. iPad Apps
 Science 360
 VideoScience
 Quick Graph
 Brain Pop
 DataAnalysis
 Science Lab
 Frog Dissection
 Rat Dissection
 iCell
 Mitosis
 DiseaseGame
 Prognosis
 MindMash
 The Rock
Cycle
 eQuakeMap
 Human Body
 My Heart Rate
 3D Brain
 Virtual Heart
 Build a Body
 Food Web
 Little Preds
 Creatures of
the Light

15. So how do I use these
resources?
The links in the other slides can be used to
enhance already designed lessons or
created new curriculum!
Example:
The link: DNA Extraction Activity provides a
lesson on how to extract DNA with students
OR has a “virtual” extraction activity!

16. Some more examples…
Using GoAnimate allows you to create
research projects for students. Instead of
presenting research in front of the class with
a poster or power point, the students
created an animated video explaining
information.
See link for lesson plan example:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Iv2CpmWRflJZDQzWsf11eoHJPtrW
R-M4B_sQH61u2LM/edit?usp=drive_web

17. And…
 Zunal (webquest creator) is a great tool
that allows you to create your own
webquests to teach material OR “borrow”
someone else’s already created
webquest!
Example of a Webquest I created:
http://zunal.com/webquest.php?w=136064%20

18. What about the apps??
 Rat Dissection App for iPads instead of
dissecting a preserved rat. Saves money and
time!! (I actually use the Frog Dissection app
for students to use as a resource when
dissecting a preserved frog!!)
 QRReader can be used to read QR codes for
notes (I have my students go on a “scavenger
hunt” around the school to find the codes
which are definitions to vocabulary terms)

19. Endless Possibilities…
When it comes to deciding which Web 2.0
tools to use, just keep in mind they are
meant to enhance the learning experience
and be student –centered, not take away
from the learning!!

20. One more thing…
In addition to all the resources mentioned, there
are even more found in the following links:
http://www.protopage.com/egaunce#Untitled/Bookmarks
https://delicious.com/#eringaunce2
Also, due to my experience as a 7th grade
science teacher, my classroom wiki may also
come in hand:
http://gauncesscienceclass.wikispaces.com/home