Year of Science September 27, 2010
Posted by emcool in Chemistry, Earth Science, Life Science, Physics, Processes of Science.add a comment
Kudos to my ed-tech sister for sending this link along! Premier Gordon Campbell has declared (amongst other things) that 2010-2011 is the Year of Science in BC schools. Frankly, it’s up the teachers to make that decision, but as a secondary science teacher, why not embrace the enthusiasm!
The Year of Science website has lots of articles, ideas, and links to promote more science education and enthusiasm for teachers, parents, and children. At first glance, it appears to be geared more towards the elementary audience, but I think there are worthwhile opportunities for the secondary teachers and students as well.
For example, it gives real-world examples of careers in science, highlights current lectures and workshops, and provides links for resources and professional development applicable to the BC curriculum.
Everything explained… November 11, 2009
Posted by emcool in Chemistry, Chirp worthy, Earth Science, Physics.add a comment
Sal Khan deserves a gold medal in my books, or at least some large wooden plaque.
Sal is teaching the world using a YouTube channel, a tablet computer, and 15 minute videos explaining a slew of topics in chemistry, physics, and math. He is easy to listen to, goes at a reasonable pace, and explains science and math in layman’s terms. New videos are constantly being added to both his site and YouTube channel. I prefer to use the website, as I find the layout very simple and easy to browse topics.
Personally, I use Sal’s site to give me a rundown of topics I may be teaching. It would also be useful to pass along to students for extra reinforcement, or if students are absent for numerous days.
Here is Sal’s way to explain the mole (“just a number”!):
The Story of Stuff November 10, 2009
Posted by emcool in Ecosystems (Biomes), Energy transfer.Tags: consumer, environment
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The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns. The Story of Stuff exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world. It’ll teach you something, it’ll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever.
I will admit, it’s a little USA-centeric, but the key points are still good! I would not recommend this for an ESL class, as the narration is very fast-paced.
Random seating November 10, 2009
Posted by emcool in Chirp worthy.Tags: management, seating
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I can’t take credit for this idea, or even being the one to find it, but it is definitely chrip-worthy!
As students enter the classroom, they pick up a number from a beaker. Each number corresponds to a specific seat, and that is the seat the student takes for the day! I love this idea because it mixes up the kids in the front versus the kids in the back, expands partner interaction beyond just their friend sitting next to them, and creates more of a whole class community. I think it would also be a useful classroom managment tool for an especially rowdy room. (I think this would work best if you started it off the first day.)
Virtual dissections October 14, 2009
Posted by emcool in Life Science, Optics.add a comment
It’s a useful learning activity to dissect animals in biology classes…for some students. I believe that a hands-on dissection can create a meaningful learning experience by encouraging students to explore, ask questions, and experience biology (guts and all) in that hand of the student. However, consideration should be given to students who are not comfortable dissecting animals due to cultural, religious, or ethical reasons. The BC curriculum does not specifically require dissection, and it is up to the teacher what activities they would like to include in their classroom. For students who wish to opt out of dissection, here are a few virtual dissection sites that may be substituted.
Animals, Ethics, and Education – Features a bank of free dissection alternatives by grade level, animal, and type of alternative
Cow’s Eye Dissection – A great site through Exploratorium that is kid-friendly and useful for grade 8
Frog Guts – Requires subscription for virtual dissection CD ROMs of frog, squid, starfish, fetal pig, owl pellets, cow eye, peas, and flies. (I remember when this was free…)
(This post was inspired by an article in the Janet Steffenhagen’s “Report Card” blog featured in the Vancouver Sun.)
Ban dihydrogen monoxide! October 8, 2009
Posted by emcool in Atoms, Elements, & Compounds, Chemistry.add a comment
As his science fair project entitled “How gullible are we?”, Idaho student Nathan Zohner circulated a petition to ban dihydrogen monoxide (H2O). In his article, he claimed that this “odorless, colourless, tasteless substance kills thousands every year.” This would be a great article to share with a Science 10 class learning how to name covalent compounds. See if they fall for the spoof!
A possible follow-up activity may be asking students to make similar “claims” against an element or create a wanted poster with properties of familiar elements or compounds.
Ban DHMO spoof
Four legs versus six October 4, 2009
Posted by emcool in Ecosystems (Biomes), Life Science.add a comment
In the “Collected Wisdom” column of the Globe & Mail, Philip Jackman takes on Galileo’s cube-square law with the question of who would outrun who: the cheetah or the cockroach? This is a fun article to give to a Bio 11 class to discuss adaptations or arthropods versus mammals.
Click here for the full article.
One way to explain the atom October 2, 2009
Posted by emcool in Atoms, Elements, & Compounds, Chemistry.add a comment
On the 1970s TV show, “WKRP in Cincinnati”, the DJ character Venus explains the atom to a big high school student named Arnold who plans to drop out of school. In 2 minutes, he gives Arnold the basics of the atom in his own lingo. (A great clip to show junior science kids when they start the chemistry unit, or for comic relief to senior chemistry classes!)
Click here to see a transcipt of the segment.
Buzzword Bingo! September 29, 2009
Posted by emcool in Games.add a comment
Here’s an easy game to play with your class: This is perfect for review or if you are filling in for a teacher with time to spare. Ask the students to make a 5 x 5 grid, and fill in 24 vocabulary words (“buzzwords”) from a chapter you are reviewing. (It helps if you give them a choice of 30-35 words.) The middle square is a freebie! Read out the definitions or functions of the key term and students cross off the words as they get them. Any 5 in a row wins! Play for multiple winners.
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