So many high school students don't like biology class--for many reasons, but the biggest reasons I hear is that "it's boring" or "too hard". So I'm always looking for ways to use real life hands-on activities. I found a device from Pasco called the Spark science learning system that combines digital images that integrate with background content, data collection and analysis, and assessment--all within the same environment. Students don't have to navigate to a separate file for instructions or even refer to paper books or manuals. Everything is right there in context. Probeware (sensors that measure temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, etc.) are used with the Spark device. The console has a full color display and finger touch navigation.
The device comes with 60 free pre-installed SPARKlabs™--standards-based guided inquiry labs in a unique electronic notebook format. Software includes experiements for biology, physics, chemistry for high school, middle school and elementary school.
View a quick video demonstrating a lesson which asks the question, "What do you think happens to the temperature of ice as we add energy" or in other words, How does Ice melt? In this demo video, a temperature probe is used and when the lab is "opened", you follow along with a student who has to predict a temperature over time plot. The student uses touch navigation to draw his plot on the display screen. When done, he clicks on the answer, and the correct graph is drawn and explained. Finally, the student is given the opportunity to use the keypad to type in his observations. Click here to this page and go to the video tour tab!
The downside of this cool tool is the cost--$300.00 and this is the educator price. However, a resourceful teacher may be able to get a mini-grant to purchase a couple of these. And the price may come down in the near future, the way most technology tools & toys do! I would spend the money myself--just to have one to play with!
Diane
Friday, October 31, 2008
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5 comments:
Great tool!!! I agree, sometimes Bio class can be hard and boring; however, with tools like this, students will enjoy Bio class more!
Hi Diane. This console sounds really great. To be honest with you, science was my least favorite subject. This console makes science meet reality for students. For me, it would have definitely made science more interesting and relevant by addressing real topics that are science-related.
~Michelle
Hey Diane
I snooped around on the Spark's site. They've got some really good stuff. Great ways to get outside and do some real learning instead of sitting in the classroom. If I remember right, my high school and college biology classes were nothing but reading and taking notes. No practical application.
It's like what I saw on a podcast recently, the guy's tag line was "Learning is messy!
JR
I have to agree with some of the others that science has always been my least favorite. Although, I think with tools such as this one I would be a lot more interested. Any time you have hands-on activities I think students will be more engaged. This sounds like a wonderful educational tool to use.
Diane,
This tool sounds really neat. I bet that this will help some of those who think science is boring. I will pass this on to teachers that teach high school.
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