Image © Celestron
Alternatively, you can access the Pinterest version of this page here.
Science, one of the four key STEM (Science, Technology, English & Mathematics) elements, is normally the subject that captures the imagination of students and engages them in further developing an understanding of how the world works. To prepare students to enter the field of science they must be used to engaging in and coping with the rapid technological advances in technology.
Contained below are just a few ideas to integrate the use of ICT into the study of science:
Contained below are just a few ideas to integrate the use of ICT into the study of science:
- Boardworks Interactive Science Units
- Science & Augmented Realities
- Data Collection, Collation and Presentation via Google Docs, Sheets & Slides
- PLEx Life Science Game-based Units
- Scholastic Study Jams: Science
- WorldWide Telescope
- NASA
- The European Space Agency
- Spacewalk
- A Journey Through Space
- Kerbal Space Program
- Orbiter 2010: Space Flight Simulator
- Toca Lab
- CSI: The Experience - Web Adventures
- USB Microscopes
- Smartphone Telescopes
- Interactive Frog Dissection.
Click here to access the student portal/version of this page (opens in a new window).
Boardworks Interactive Science Units
Boardworks offers interactive science units (PowerPoint files with embedded Flash content) mapped to a wide variety of curricula from around the world, including the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, the United States of America and International Schools (Cambridge International curriculum, IGCSEs and the International Baccalaureate).
The United Kingdom
The Boardworks science units covers the entire UK curriculum for both primary (KS1-2) and secondary (KS3-5 and GCSE).
The KS1 units include:
Access the product show case here. View the list of KS1 units here or click on the list below: |
The KS2 Year Box includes:
View the list of KS2 units here or click on the list below: Free samples/downloads:
|
Australia
Primary
The Boardworks science units for the United Kingdom (reviewed above) are available for purchase and use in Australian schools:
The Boardworks science units for the United Kingdom (reviewed above) are available for purchase and use in Australian schools:
- KS1 Science $525 + $35 shipping and banking charges
- KS2 Science Box Set (Year 3,4,5 & 6) $875 + $35 shipping and banking charges
- KS1 Science + KS2 Science Box Set $1400 less $100 discount = $1300+ $35 shipping and banking charges
Secondary
The Boardworks science units that have been mapped to the Australian Science Curriculum cater for Years 7-9.
|
Boardworks offers a one-time purchase that provides a lifetime site licence. Once installed on a school network, Boardworks can be used on every Windows computer in your school. Visit the Australian portal of the Boardworks website to learn more.
Science & Augmented Realities
Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that enables people to digitally manipulate/augment a version of reality and replace it with a virtual one, essentially using the power of technology to present users with a modified view/version of reality. Artificial information about the environment and its objects can be overlaid on the real world and the surrounding environment can be digitally manipulated and made to be interactive.
Many science AR apps are being released to give students and teachers virtual/augmented 'hands-on' experience where they may not normally have the actual/real resources to do so.
Many science AR apps are being released to give students and teachers virtual/augmented 'hands-on' experience where they may not normally have the actual/real resources to do so.
Anatomy 4D is a free AR app (iOS | Android) that enables users to explore the anatomy of the human body.
Watch the video below to see it in action and then simply:
Watch the video below to see it in action and then simply:
iSkullAR enables students to study and explore the human skull as it were in their hands.
This AR app shows the great potential for the role that augmented reality could play in the study of biology and science.
iSkullAR is available for free on iOS devices.
Watch the video below to see iSkullAR in action:
This AR app shows the great potential for the role that augmented reality could play in the study of biology and science.
iSkullAR is available for free on iOS devices.
Watch the video below to see iSkullAR in action:
Whilst iSkullAR is one of many scientific AR apps that can be used in the classroom, it is the use of augmented reality in the medical field that is one of the most exciting and important applications of augmented reality as it can potentially save lives. Watch the videos below to learn more:
|
|
Elements 4D enables users to explore and combine 36 different elements of the periodic table.
Simply:
Watch the video below to see the app in action.
Simply:
- Download, print and assemble the target image blocks from here.
- Download the Elements 4D app for free on iOS and Android devices.
Watch the video below to see the app in action.
AR Flashcards - Space (iOS | Android) is a paid AR app that brings a specially designed set of planet flashcards to life using animated 3D planets.
When users point their smartphone or tablet at the printed flashcard, a 3D planet will pop up on the screen. Users can then tap the planet to hear the name and also tap the info button to hear interesting facts. Download the PDF containing the physical flashcards/target images here.
When users point their smartphone or tablet at the printed flashcard, a 3D planet will pop up on the screen. Users can then tap the planet to hear the name and also tap the info button to hear interesting facts. Download the PDF containing the physical flashcards/target images here.
Data Collection, Collation and Presentation via Google Docs, Sheets & Slides
Google Docs, Sheets & Slides provides schools with the opportunity to set up collaborative work situations where all students can access the same spreadsheet simultaneously and collate the scientific data, giving students the opportunity to see 'live' how other classmates are recording and presenting their findings.
The Rotten Tomatoes Logo is a trademark or registered trademark of Flixster, Inc. in the United States and other countries.
Fourth Grade teachers from the Connect Charter School (formally Calgary Science School), created a post on their school blog about their Rotten Tomatoes Decomposition Lab, a scientific experiment that required students to use a collaborative Google Sheet to record the scientific data collected on the decomposition of tomatoes.
They also created a website dedicated to the experiment (using Google Sites) where the teachers uploaded the details of the experiment, the class created and uploaded a rubric for the experiment, and then students uploaded videos of their final lab reports. After the experiment had finished, students continued to write posts in their student blog about their scientific observations.
After discovering their blog in the middle of a semester long science inquiry/integrated topic, I drew inspiration from their idea and ran a similar experiment with Year 4-6 students to observe the decomposition of fruit and vegetables.
They also created a website dedicated to the experiment (using Google Sites) where the teachers uploaded the details of the experiment, the class created and uploaded a rubric for the experiment, and then students uploaded videos of their final lab reports. After the experiment had finished, students continued to write posts in their student blog about their scientific observations.
After discovering their blog in the middle of a semester long science inquiry/integrated topic, I drew inspiration from their idea and ran a similar experiment with Year 4-6 students to observe the decomposition of fruit and vegetables.
Observing the Decomposition of Fruit & Vegetables
The experiment was introduced to the students in the form of an information flyer (printed in colour A4 - which they then took home) which was also uploaded to the class blog (for those parents who subscribed to the blog) as a downloadable eBrochure (click here or on the image to the left to download it). Thus the two avenues of activity dissemination ensured that multiple lines of communication were open to ensure that parents could learn about the focus of the science and mathematics classes for the following weeks.
The experiment was modified from that of the rotten tomatoes experiment, to give students the chance to choose any fruit or vegetable, which as the introductory activity, instantly lead to a flurry of excited discussions and the selection of a wide variety of choices made, from bananas and tomatoes to cucumbers and onions (the onions were great!).
Similar to the rotten tomatoes experiment, students were grouped into threes (a mix of students of different ages was required) to complete the required roles (on a daily rotational basis) of Digital Documenter, Handler and Analyser, except that these roles were modified to the following format:
Digital Documenter:
Handler:
To ensure that students are using inquiring skills, before starting the experiment students could work in their groups to generate a list of questions that they wish to find answers to, such as:
The experiment was modified from that of the rotten tomatoes experiment, to give students the chance to choose any fruit or vegetable, which as the introductory activity, instantly lead to a flurry of excited discussions and the selection of a wide variety of choices made, from bananas and tomatoes to cucumbers and onions (the onions were great!).
Similar to the rotten tomatoes experiment, students were grouped into threes (a mix of students of different ages was required) to complete the required roles (on a daily rotational basis) of Digital Documenter, Handler and Analyser, except that these roles were modified to the following format:
Digital Documenter:
- Takes photo(s).
- Inserts the photo(s) into the Google Sheet.
- Writes down observations that are relevant, descriptive and scientific, as per the requirements outlined in the Google Sheet.
Handler:
- Is the ONLY person who handles the specimen (wearing rubber gloves).
- Measures the specimen’s temperatures and weight and orally tells the Analyser.
- Puts the gloves under the container.
- Draws a labelled diagrams, including cross-sectional representations, to communicate ideas.
- Returns the container and gloves outside to a secure place.
- Enters the Handler’s data into Google Sheet.
- Computes the mathematical calculations accurately (e.g. Yesterday’s weight – Today’s weight = Weight Loss over night) and inputs them appropriately into the Google Sheet.
- Generates a graph to represent and describe observations, patterns, trends or relationships in data.
- Identifies patterns in data and develop explanations that fit these patterns.
To ensure that students are using inquiring skills, before starting the experiment students could work in their groups to generate a list of questions that they wish to find answers to, such as:
- Which fruit or vegetable will decompose the most?
- How much mould will grow?
- Will the weather temperature correlate to the external temperature of the fruit or vegetable?
Students were required to record their information in the form of a collaborative Google Sheet (click here to access our online work) using the given prompts and to upload their photos to the class blog (see right).
Tutorials were given on how to use a variety of digital cameras and how to upload images, both via wireless and a tethered connection.
The Case of the Missing Objects
Whilst the offer was made to store the decomposing fruit and vegetables inside on a window sill, to cater for the shocking smells, the objects were placed outside under the cover of the school's library.
However, as the students soon discovered, 'possums' or 'ghosts' started stealing the fruit and vegetables of various groups. Some groups made it through the two-week experiment without the inconvenience of starting again. It also had the unexpected benefit of students rushing into school to see if their fruit or vegetable had survived, wherein groups celebrated a stay of execution or commiserated their loss.
Only one group came up with the idea to shield their onion in a plastic container (which also would have impacted on the ambient temperature as the onion decomposed - see image below).
Measurement devices also mysteriously disappeared at times or batteries were found to be sapped the next day when students went to use the scales or thermometers. Read below for further details.
Tutorials were given on how to use a variety of digital cameras and how to upload images, both via wireless and a tethered connection.
The Case of the Missing Objects
Whilst the offer was made to store the decomposing fruit and vegetables inside on a window sill, to cater for the shocking smells, the objects were placed outside under the cover of the school's library.
However, as the students soon discovered, 'possums' or 'ghosts' started stealing the fruit and vegetables of various groups. Some groups made it through the two-week experiment without the inconvenience of starting again. It also had the unexpected benefit of students rushing into school to see if their fruit or vegetable had survived, wherein groups celebrated a stay of execution or commiserated their loss.
Only one group came up with the idea to shield their onion in a plastic container (which also would have impacted on the ambient temperature as the onion decomposed - see image below).
Measurement devices also mysteriously disappeared at times or batteries were found to be sapped the next day when students went to use the scales or thermometers. Read below for further details.
Measurements & Calculations
Internal temperatures were recorded using a digital meat thermometer and external temperatures using a digital infrared thermometer. The object's mass/weight was measured using digital scales (combining this with the use of analogue scales to check would have been more beneficial for their education too).
It is worth noting that considering devices mysteriously vanished at times or batteries died, that schools wanting to implement this experiment should have students sign in and out equipment or purchase multiple meat and laser thermometers and charge each unit every night.
Prior to starting the experiment, it was vital to teach the students during Mathematics how to add and subtract numbers involving decimals, so that the Analyser could perform the necessary calculations.
If analogue kitchen scales were used, it would have also been necessary to teach the class about using multiplication and division to determine the increments contained upon an analogue scale.
The Resulting Analysis
After the two week observational period had ended, students were given time to reflect back on the process and analyse the data from their Google Sheet.
The daily weather temperatures (minimum and maximum) were determined using data from a local weather tower from the Bureau of Meteorology, to look for correlations between the rise and fall of the internal and external temperatures of the fruit or vegetable (and to ensure that students could locate and interpret primary data sources from the internet).
The students were then required to collate their temperature data into an Excel spreadsheet and generate a variety of graphs. From these graphs, groups then conducted a statistical analysis to see if they could identify any trends or correlations in the data, particularly looking for any links between:
Internal temperatures were recorded using a digital meat thermometer and external temperatures using a digital infrared thermometer. The object's mass/weight was measured using digital scales (combining this with the use of analogue scales to check would have been more beneficial for their education too).
It is worth noting that considering devices mysteriously vanished at times or batteries died, that schools wanting to implement this experiment should have students sign in and out equipment or purchase multiple meat and laser thermometers and charge each unit every night.
Prior to starting the experiment, it was vital to teach the students during Mathematics how to add and subtract numbers involving decimals, so that the Analyser could perform the necessary calculations.
If analogue kitchen scales were used, it would have also been necessary to teach the class about using multiplication and division to determine the increments contained upon an analogue scale.
The Resulting Analysis
After the two week observational period had ended, students were given time to reflect back on the process and analyse the data from their Google Sheet.
The daily weather temperatures (minimum and maximum) were determined using data from a local weather tower from the Bureau of Meteorology, to look for correlations between the rise and fall of the internal and external temperatures of the fruit or vegetable (and to ensure that students could locate and interpret primary data sources from the internet).
The students were then required to collate their temperature data into an Excel spreadsheet and generate a variety of graphs. From these graphs, groups then conducted a statistical analysis to see if they could identify any trends or correlations in the data, particularly looking for any links between:
- The rise and falls in the internal and external temperatures of the fruit or vegetable and that of the (i) temperature of the weather, or (ii) the stage of the decomposition process.
- The weight/mass gains and losses and the stage of the decomposition process.
A group's mathematical and scientific presentation of their data. Click here to download a copy.
Download the student results (converted from .xls to .pdf for presentation purposes):
In Summation
The experiment was a resounding success, loved by all students, with a few hiccups along the way. It was definitely worth the time spent preparing and organising the ins and outs of the experiment. The pre-experiment question/hypthesis generation was not conducted as the opportunity for this was identified after further reading of the Science curriculum when the experiment had come to an end.
The experiment also catered for the meeting various standards, content descriptors and elaborations contained within the key learning areas of Science and Mathematics in both the Australian and AusVELS curricula, the details of which can be downloaded from here.
The experiment was a resounding success, loved by all students, with a few hiccups along the way. It was definitely worth the time spent preparing and organising the ins and outs of the experiment. The pre-experiment question/hypthesis generation was not conducted as the opportunity for this was identified after further reading of the Science curriculum when the experiment had come to an end.
The experiment also catered for the meeting various standards, content descriptors and elaborations contained within the key learning areas of Science and Mathematics in both the Australian and AusVELS curricula, the details of which can be downloaded from here.
PLEx Life Science Game-based Units
PLEx Life science is a collection of four interactive game-based curriculum units for Windows (paid with a free trial) to teach children about science. Watch the following video and access the download details below.
Reach For The Sun
Reach For The Sun is a paid (with free trial) Flash game-based curriculum unit (separate | package) that teaches players about the life-cycles of plants.
Players take control of a plant, needing to balance resources such as starch and water to grow whilst constantly whilst also adjusting to the plant's conditions/surroundings. Watch the video to learn more: |
Crazy Plant Shop
Crazy Plant Shop is a paid (with free trial) Flash game-based curriculum unit (separate | package) that teaches players about plant genetics.
Players get to order, mix and match various types of plant seeds to create new plant combinations. Watch the video to learn more: |
Cell Command
|
Fossil Forensics
|
Cell Command is a paid (with free trial) Flash game-based curriculum unit for Windows (separate | package) that teaches players about cells in the human body.
In Cell Command, players shrink down to a microscopic level and captain their own "cell ship" and crew in the human body. Players investigate and manage various "stations" of the ship (parts of the human body) involved in cellular processes such as DNA duplication. Watch the video below to learn more: |
Fossil Forensics is a paid (with free trial) Flash game-based curriculum unit for Windows (separate | package) that teaches players about fossils.
In Fossil Forensics, players assist the curator of a museum by analysing, comparing, and making hypotheses about ancient fossils. Players also compare fossils and identify adaptions based on structures and characteristics. Watch the video below to learn more: |
You Make Me Sick!
You Make Me Sick! is Flash game, part of the paid PLEx Life Science package to teach players about bacteria and viruses and how diseases are transmitted, including their anatomy, their function, and how they are spread.
Players learn about bacteria and viruses by becoming a pathogen, designing diseases to inflict on a variety of targets. Players must infect hosts with progressively stronger defenses. |
Guts
Guts is Flash game, part of the paid PLEx Life Science package to teach players to understand the functions and interconnections between the human body systems.
Players become a research intern to the curious Dr. Guts, a doctor who specialises in human physiology, who experiments on human bodies! |
Scholastic Study Jams: Science
Scholastic Study Jams provides free online interactive science modules to help students learn and explore various scientific phenomena. Each Science Study Jam is based around a wonderfully designed animated video involving students encountering and discussing scientific phenomena. After watching the video, students can undertake various activities and tests and attempt to discuss key terminology to show their developing understanding.
The Science Study Jams are perfect for whole class, small group and individual learning scenarios. Check out the Science Study Jams today!
The Science Study Jams are perfect for whole class, small group and individual learning scenarios. Check out the Science Study Jams today!
WorldWide Telescope
WorldWide Telescope (WWT), used by many leading planetariums, allows students and teachers alike to harness the power of ground and space-based telescopes to explore outer space. Users have the option to explore the universe at their own pace or take part in guided tours.
Watch the TedxCaltech Talk below to learn more about what you can do with WWT.
Watch the TedxCaltech Talk below to learn more about what you can do with WWT.
There are two options to use WorldWide Telescope:
Watch the video below to learn how to use Microsoft Kinect to interact with WorldWide Telescope and then visit the Kinect in Schools section to learn how to install Kinect into your classroom.
- Download WorldWide Telescope for Windows or Mac or
- Use any internet browser to use the WWT Online Version (Microsoft Silverlight must be installed on the PC).
Watch the video below to learn how to use Microsoft Kinect to interact with WorldWide Telescope and then visit the Kinect in Schools section to learn how to install Kinect into your classroom.
NASA
NASA's website continues to be the world leader in the provision of free educational resources to study space, including lessons, podcasts (including NASA 360), videos, interactives, 3D resources, NASA TV and images. Visit the site using the hyperlinks to find the resources that best meet your needs.
The European Space Agency
Much like NASA, the imagery and research contained on the European Space Agency's website is rather valuable in the study of Earth and space sciences.
Spacewalk
Spacewalk (Win/Mac/Linux) is free networked interactive experience that enables users to experience what it would be like to take a space walk outside of the International Space Station.
Players collectively take on the role of astronauts; navigating and exploring the structure of the space station.
Players collectively take on the role of astronauts; navigating and exploring the structure of the space station.
A Journey Through Space
A Journey Through Space is a free downloadable experience that takes players on a journey through space whilst listening to an inspiring music playlist.
Watch the video below (that is also available for VR headsets) to get a taste of the experience:
Watch the video below (that is also available for VR headsets) to get a taste of the experience:
Kerbal Space Program
The Kerbal Space Program is a paid (with a free trial) video game for Windows, Mac & Linux where the players create and manage their own space program; building spacecraft, flying them, and trying to help the Kerbals to fulfill their ultimate mission of conquering space.
Watch the first video below to see their preview and the second video to see the gameplay:
Watch the first video below to see their preview and the second video to see the gameplay:
Orbiter 2010: Space Flight Simulator
Orbiter is a realistic open-source space flight simulator (not a game) created by Dr. Martin Schweiger, a senior research fellow in the computer science department at University College London, that allows users to:
Watch the video below to see Orbiter 2012 in action. Orbiter 2-12 can be downloaded from here and the flight tutorials can be accessed here.
- Launch a virtual Space Shuttle from Kennedy Space Center and rendezvous with the International Space Station.
- Recreate historic flights with addon spacecraft packages: Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Vostok and more.
- Plan interplanetary slingshots and tour the solar system with futuristic space craft.
- Design their own rockets, or download addons created by other users.
- Learn about the concepts of space flight and orbital mechanics by playing and experimenting.
Watch the video below to see Orbiter 2012 in action. Orbiter 2-12 can be downloaded from here and the flight tutorials can be accessed here.
Toca Lab
Toca Lab (iOS | Android) is a child-friendly app that enables users to explore the 118 elements from the periodic table. Users can explore and study each element when they are:
|
|
CSI: The Experience - Web Adventures
CSI: The Experience - Web Adventures is a free online Flash interactive game (created by RICE University) to teach students about forensic science, using mock field investigations guided by the characters from the popular CSI television series.
Need help with the game?
Various other online forensic analysis activities can also be access from here.
Need help with the game?
Various other online forensic analysis activities can also be access from here.
USB Microscopes
There are now a wide variety of affordable USB handheld and traditional microscopes for Windows/ Mac/Linux that can be used (i) to capture images and video of the microscopic world, (ii) to use in whole class teaching scenarios and (iii) small group work where students no longer have to wait their turn to "look" into the microscope.
Simply google "USB microscope", visit ebay or read below about how to turn a smartphone into a digital microscope to find an affordable solution for your school!
Simply google "USB microscope", visit ebay or read below about how to turn a smartphone into a digital microscope to find an affordable solution for your school!
Smartphone Microscopes
Whilst the cost of purchasing scentific equipment often excludes students from using microscopes (including digital ones) outside of the classroom (or even at home), schools should grasp with both hands the following cost effective solution that allows anyone to use a smartphone and approximately $10 worth of materials to create a digital microscope.
Watch the video below and then follow this link to access the step-by-step instructions.
Watch the video below and then follow this link to access the step-by-step instructions.
Interactive Frog Dissection
Froguts allows anyone to learn how to dissect a frog without actually need a dead (and smelly) frog!
It is available for:
Educators can also download associated rubrics to to this activity into a gamified learning experience.
Watch the video below to see it in action!
It is available for:
Educators can also download associated rubrics to to this activity into a gamified learning experience.
Watch the video below to see it in action!