Innovative Technology in Science Inquiry

Unit

Electricity and Magnetism

Subject

Physical Science

Grade Level

ES 3-4

Activity Name(s)

Conductors and Insulators

Lighting a Bulb

Magnets and Coils

Being Prepared

The activities in this unit are best set up in small groups, with 2-4 students in each group. The teacher might find it beneficial to model the diagrams using a projector to ensure the students understand the set up procedures.

Unit

Earthquakes

Subject

Earth and Space Science

Grade Level

MS

Activity Name(s)

Comparing Earthquake Depth and Magnitude Patterns Around the World

Earthquakes Around the World

Investigating Plate Boundaries

Seismic Waves Study

Unit

Dissolving

Subject

Chemistry

Grade Level

HS

Activity Name(s)

Dissolving Salt in Water

Dissolving and Heat

Mixing with water

Being Prepared

The "Dissolving and Heat" activity will require:

Unit

Cycles

Subject

Physical Science

Grade Level

ES5-6

Activity Name(s)

Making Sounds

Pendulums

Up and Down Motion

Unit

Populations

Subject

Biology

Grade Level

HS

Activity Name(s)

Extinction

Population Balance

Population Explosion

Being Prepared

Ideally, students would have one to one computer access where they are close to other students in order to discuss the activities. They may also work in groups of 2-3 if necessary.

Getting Started

Both of the activities in the unit are simulations so they only require a computer with internet access.

Unit

Collisions

Subject

Physics

Grade Level

HS

Activity Name(s)

Elastic Collisions

Forces - Equal and Opposite

Heating by Hitting

Hit the Wall

Being Prepared

Students could do these activities individually, but set-up and performance of the activities would be more easily facilitated by groups of 2 or 3.

In "Heating by Hitting," remind students to watch their fingers and heads when releasing the weights.

Unit

Climate Change

Subject

Earth and Space Science

Grade Level

MS

Activity Name(s)

Energy Balance and Atmosphere

Greenhouse Effect in a Greenhouse

Radiant Energy

Urban Heat Island

Unit

Living Environment

Subject

Life Science

Grade Level

ES 5-6

Activity Name(s)

Changing Environments

Virtual Field

Unit

Protein Structure

Subject

Biology

Grade Level

HS

Activity Names

DNA Mutations

DNA to Proteins

Being Prepared

These activities are computer simulations, so having students as close to 1to1 with a computer is ideal. Plan significantly in advance of this activity to ensure you have access to computers (state testing requisitions, other teacher use, etc).

Laptops that require power cords should have power strips placed in such a way that walkways are kept clear.

Unit

Molecular Motion

Subject

Biology

Grade Level

HS

Activity Name(s)

Active Transport

Diffusion and Osmosis

Being Prepared

Ideally, students would have one to one computer access where they are close to other students in order to discuss the activities. They may also work in groups of 2-3 if necessary.

Getting Started

Both of the activities in the unit are simulations so they only require a computer with internet access.