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Using Technology in the Science Classroom

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Guadalupe Barron Guadalupe Barron 1450 Points

Hi everyone,
As I finish up my senior year of college, I would like to build a toolbox of engaging and effective digital tools that will enhance my future students' science education. I believe that with the integration of technology, I can promote inquiry-based learning and help students to think and work like a scientist. Furthermore, I am curious about the digital tools that current teachers have been using are they shifted from in-person to remote learning. With that said, what are some useful tools you have utilized? How has technology supported your students?

 

Thank you in advance! 
Katie Holcomb Katie Holcomb 10 Points

Hi Guadalupe!

I am also in my senior year of college. I have been in Life Science and Human Anatomy and Physiology placements so far. In both placements and preservice teaching courses, I have seen technology used in different ways to support inquiry-based learning. I really like to use PhET simulations when possible. I also have been introduced to PASCO technology. I have not implemented PASCO technology into any of my placements yet, but I have spent time exploring their capabilities within my preservice courses. I believe that these have great potential to support good science learning. 

As far as remote learning goes, I have utilized many technological tools to deliver instruction. I like to use PearDeck for interactive lectures on live-teaching days. I typically use EdPuzzle, Quizizz, and Google Forms for prior knowledge assessments. Other tools I use for instruction and/or assessment include Padlet, Google Jamboard, and FlipGrid. These have helped me to engage students remotely and saves them from having to just watch me on a screen. It provides more opportunities for student-centered teaching.
Melissa Portillo Melissa Portillo 1240 Points

Hi Guadalupe,

I found an online program, called Inqits, that goes along with the NGSS standards. (https://www.inqits.com/) The program includes different online labs that helps students learn from as well as different assessment tools. There are a lot of online websites that can be utilized in the classroom. This link (https://www.commonsense.org/education/top-picks/terrific-websites-for-science) has about 48 different online programs and webistes that can be implemented in a science classroom. I hope that the links help you. They are alined with the NGSS. 
Guadalupe Barron Guadalupe Barron 1450 Points

Thank you, Melissa!

These are great resources. I will definitely be using them to help me create future lessons. It is so helpful that they are aligned with the NGSS. 
Tim Schwickerath Tim Schwickerath 415 Points

Gaudalupe,  I just want to throw Desmos out to you.  Now my background is teaching math so I utilize Desmos often.  Desmos offers an easy to use graphing calculator, but the activities that are built using the platform really make it shine.  There are pre-built activities and teachers can create their own using the activity builder.  Students can work through a series of interactive slides, respond to questions, manipulate graphs, perform card sorts, make sketches, etc.  I also did a quick search and there found a collection of science-related activities as well.  If there is an activity you like and what to change it, you can copy individual slides or the complete activity to modify.  I like to use the platform to let students discover and explore a topic without first doing direct instruction.  Plus, it is all free.  
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