Sharon Chern

Rocks

Sat, Apr 07, 2012 7:01 AM
Fun simulations for students

Although listed for grades 5-8, this SciGuide is appropriate for 9th grade earth science class. This is an excellent collection of resources. I especially liked the interactive included in the sciguide where students generate conclusions from simulations. Some of the simulations are: “Sedimentary rocks”, “Metamorphic pressure cooker” where students “cook” their rocks thus changing the type of rock throughout the experiment, “the rock cycle”, and the “Geologic Adventure” where students figure out the sequence of events of plate movements. I could use the many interactive animations to teach concepts, or as review before a quiz or test, or simply to add interest to engage our internet-savvy students. A suggestion for improvement would be to add more 10th grade+ level resources would be helpful to high school geology or environmental science teachers.

Electric and Magnetic Forces

Sat, Apr 07, 2012 6:51 AM
Excellent resources for a more abstract topic

Although listed for grades 5-8, this SciGuide is appropriate for a high school level conceptual physics course (for regular level or lower level math students). It covers electric charges, forces, conductors and insulators, electric circuits, interaction between electricity and magnetic fields. This is an excellent collection of resources. Many use real world technology and are fun for the students to explore, for example, the build-your-own circuit lab. There are many student-friendly, fun interactive activities like “Electric forces”, “Force, distance, charge”, “Rutherford’s Gold foil experiments” virtual lab where students will enjoy learning about freefall, air resistance etc. I could use the many interactive animations to teach concepts, have them predict what might happen before they carry out the simulation, observe the simulation and reflect on whether they were right or wrong and why. They can also calculate quantities based on the variables used in the simulations. An improvement I would suggest: perhaps add some links for the high school level, maybe for a 12th grade physics class with mathematical applications.

Coral Reef Ecosystems

Sat, Apr 07, 2012 6:42 AM
Many fun interactives for students

This is a great collection of resources for the study of coral reef ecosystems, covering coral reef biology, ecosystem and conservation. There are many educational yet fun interactives such as the “Make a Reef”, “Populate a Coral Reef”, and “Life in the Balance” simulations where students design a functioning ecosystem. A detailed “Reef of One’s own” lesson plan is included where teachers provide resources for students to complete a written report on the coral reef ecosystem. I could use the many coral reef simulations for students to apply concepts taught in class. They can try out different ways to create and ecosystem through trial and error to see what works. I could also used the detailed lesson plan on “A Reef of One’s own” to allow students to synthesize what they’ve learned in the unit. Overall, it’s an excellent SciGuide for all levels k-12.