Using Screen Recordings in the classroom...

We do a lot of graphing and mapping activities in my 7th grade classes. If I created screen recordings reviewing these basic skills students would be able to reference them as needed. For instance, one activity asks students to create a pie chart on the computer to report their data. Some students would already know how to do this while others would benefit from viewing a screen recording illustrating the process.

Using Flickr in the classroom...

My 8th grade students study human genetics. I would like to have each student take pictures of dominant/recessive traits and display them via flickr. They might do this as a homework assignment (using family members) or possibly as an in school assignment (lunchtime or SRT). I think students would enjoy taking pictures of tongue-rollers, hitchhiker's thumb, widow's peak, etc. Students could group their pictures (dominant traits vs. recessive traits) or possibly create a family pedigree tracing the inheritance of a trait through generations! Sounds like fun!

YouTube Video Clips...

These are three clips that I use in my classroom!

Scientific Method, Grail Style

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUQUqV0_PTc

This video reviews the steps of the scientific method using clips from the Monty Python movie, The Holy Grail. Students enjoy the humor and silliness of the video while reviewing an essential concept in science. I use this clip right before we do an open-ended inquiry experiment where the student must develop a hypothesis and then run an experiment to test his/her predictions.

Eureka! Episode 29 - Radiation Waves

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz6wzOtv6rs

The Eureka! series focuses on science concepts (mainly physical science and chemistry) aimed at middle school level. The clips are short (usually less than 5 minutes) and include enough "random fun" to intrigue a junior high mind. I'm not sure how old the series is, but it does convey "good science." I use these clips to show the relationship between radiation, conduction and convection.

Dimitri Mendeleev

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iviz0YI35c

This video was made by students at MJH. Their assignment was to creatively share 10 facts about Mendeleev, who we deem "Chemistry Superstar." I use this video clip after I introduce the assignment as an example of what a good project might look like. They wrote the song and the music and had bunches of fun recording it!

Podcasts...

After some difficulty converting my files to mp3 (thanks Andrew, for helping me on this), I am able to get beyond the frustration of a new technology and start to think of ways this technology could be used in my classroom. My first "podcast album" is going to be a series of lab skill review sessions. Students that are absent on lab day, or those that just need a refresher from time to time can access these skill review podcasts prior to doing a lab. I think students would enjoy creating, recording, and sharing songs about different science concepts using this technology. I already know how much my students love to mess around with garage band! We do a lot of singing and use a lot of music in my classroom, so this will be another way of "adding to the mix!"

I would like to collaborate with other teachers/disciplines as well. For instance, I would like to ask the math teacher to do a short review podcast on stem and leaf plots before we work on a lab that uses this type of graph in the data section of the lab write-up.

Podcasting might be an excellent tool for ISTEP review!

I might use a podcast to explain assignments to students on a day that I am absent from the classroom. I think podcasts are a great way to show interconnections between concepts and subjects. I look forward to trying podcasts in my classroom this fall!

Does MJSHS block blogs, social networking...

Manchester Jr/Sr High School posts acceptable use policies for our students and staff. Although blogs and social networking are not officially blocked, students are not suppose to access these forms of communication while at school.

I can think of several advantages for using online communication. (such as a blog post which students would respond to or a class moodle) I am always looking for ways to differentiate instruction and incorporate new technology - I am looking forward to "experimenting" with this in my science classroom this fall!

My views about internet safety...

I think the internet is a wonderful tool when used appropriately. Administrators, in collaboration with teachers should establish specific guidelines for use for their students. Parents should also monitor student activity from the home. I use youtube video clips to enhance classroom learning.