In my quest to find a website that contained data middle school students could use as part of a lesson, I found another resource that would be a great substitute. Virtual labs are wed based games and programs that allow students to have a more hands on approach without spending big bucks on materials and lab equipment. As a student, virtual labs were before my time so I was never able to experience them from the view of a student. As a teacher however, I am excited about the possibility that virtual labs bring to a classroom and in helping students observe and experience things they might not otherwise be able to.
I found a virtual lab about conserving water that allows students to change how water is used in a household. The lab gives instant data feedback at the bottom of the screen and even has a calculator function for students to use while completing the lab. I am designing a worksheet to accompany this lab so that students can write down the water usage choices they made. Then students will have to calculate their water bill based on the water usage data given by the lab.
 |
| The 5 E's of Science |
But why should students care about the price of their water bill? How are they going to see the bigger picture of what this lesson is trying to teach them? That's where the 5 E's lesson plan for science classrooms comes in. The 5 E's lesson plan is a guideline for teachers to get
and keep students interesting about what they are learning. Teachers might not enjoy making lesson plans, I know I don't, but they are helpful in preparing what you will say and do to maintain a level of intrigue for students, which is such a vital part of teaching. If students don't see how something relates to them or their life, it is all in one ear and out the other. Asking students questions is a big part of the 5 E's as well as having discussions and hearing other points of views, all things that scientist do and now science classrooms too.
Rebecca--would you please provide the link to this virtual lab so that visiting students may 'play' with it? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThe caption 'Conserving Water Virtual Lab' under the first picture is a hyperlink :)
DeleteOh--I see it now. However, it's not that obvious. How about you caption it Click here to link to.... or something like that. Maybe then it will be more obvious(?)
DeleteRebecca--I'm not sure if there is a problem but--I'm not seeing your pics anymore.
ReplyDeleteI fixed it. I deleted the pictures from my phone cause they were backed up there but I guess it deletes them here as well.
DeleteRebecca this is Caleb Douglas from professor Woodall's section 2 Introduction to Oceanography class. What are some speacial uses for water with the virtual lab that can help us conserve it?
ReplyDeleteI think parents are more or less in control of their kids and many children grow up to act just like their parents. People say that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Is there a way to make the parents more involved in this water conservation lab so they will teach their children to practice water conservation at home? One of your titles was, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” A good way to involve children and parents would be to take a field trip to the Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet. For instance, they can learn how each of us can directly help the environment, just by turning the water off while we brush our teeth. Or, if the school does not want to spend money, you could offer extra credit for kids who go to the Marine Science Center on their own.
ReplyDeleteKelly Cameron
Sec. 02