University of Akron iPad Symposium...Hooray!

Using the iPad to Promote Science Education-











Apps for Differentiation-

I LOVE this case!

So, I don't usually post about specific products for the iPad (unless you count apps). But, I have to tell you...I LOVE this new case!

This is my pretty, blue, absolutely fun to walk around the classroom with Gripcase case and stand! It is wicked cool!

I just ordered a second iPad for using in the classroom and conducting workshops, and I hadn't landed on a case yet. I have been using a Targus case on my other iPad, and I like that case. It does the job...protects the iPad. That is my number one concern in using the iPads. I just want them protected. And, since my students frequently borrow my iPad from home, I definitely want protection. But, I thought trying this case would be fun. So, today was my big pilot day with it...

I was working in the classroom collecting student data as they worked. I was filling in a project work assessment rubric in a Google Form. I was collecting pictures, audio, and notes in Evernote folders about various groups. And, I was using various apps for teaching and support. I used everything from pulling up Safari to grab a map of the US, pull it into Drawing Pad and have students draw the path the invasive Asian Carp have taken over the past few years. And...more. I even used the iPad with its new case for collecting data with PASCO sensors.

My point with all this is...I NEVER felt an awkward moment with the iPad and new case. It was as natural as can be! Light weight, easy to hold, and protecting the iPad. I felt comfortable enough to just pass the iPad off to a student to use. No worries!

The kids were instantly drawn to it, too! They have the class iPads they were working with, but they definitely were attracted to the new case. They commented on how cool it looked, and when I handed it to them to work with...they loved the feel of it.

I would definitely want to use these in a class set of iPads!

My daughter even wanted to use the iPad for reading in the hammock.

Check out their website... GRIPCASE!

#edtechex Ideas For Summer Planning

Not that I am anxious to start the summer (ahem)...but in thinking of the summer break, I was wondering if anyone wanted to share their favorite #edtechex(ample) from this school year. Sharing ideas of what really made an impact with students and learning through the use of technology is always a way that I learn and grow as an educator. And, what better way to close the year up than by sharing ideas to toss around the brain over the summer!

So...here's the thought:

• Post your favorite blog post from they year that highlights #edtechex.
• Share an example of #edtechex in a tweet.
• Retweet someone else's #edtechex that is worth exploring.

Who knows...we may inspire some ideas for next school year this way!

What do you think?

Solar Ovens + PASCO + iPad= Real Science!

A week ago, I gave my fifth grade scientists an optional challenge. To show understanding of thermal energy principles that we had been covering in class, they could complete 1 of 4 assignments:

• Create a poster
• Create a comic strip
• Evaluate their home in relation to thermal energy
• Create a Solar Oven

The results that I got with the solar ovens were interesting. The first day that students could bring in ovens, I only had about 10 out of 114 students choose the oven option. I was surprised because I thought more students would bite on this. However, I immediately set up our lab for collection of data for the 10 ovens.

We used a large work light, an iPad hooked up to a projector, the SPARKvue HD app, a meter stick, the largest wooden protractor known to mankind, and the chalkboard. Students also had their notebooks rolling.

I asked the students to help determine the controlled variable in our tests. Keeping in mind that the one tested (manipulated) variable would be the solar oven, students had to try to keep every other variable the same. What a great activity! 

Students decided on these controlled variables:

• Testing time=5 minutes (300 seconds)
• Distance from light=45 cm
• Angle from light= 45 degrees
• Same light source each time
• Same thermometer and data collection software each time

With each test, students sketched out the design of the oven (hopefully with labels), the starting/finish temperatures, and the final results.

A student was responsible for running the SPARKvue software which is so easy to use and learn! I just had to model the app use 1 time as the iPad was connected to the projector, and soon enough the kids were rocking it out!

*Disclaimer- I did my research with the app, even building a YouTube playlist for myself to work with! Click here to access the videos. I also met with a teacher representative from PASCO at the NSTA conference to talk about the use!

You can NOT imagine the awesome conversations that developed in each classes:

• Controlling variables to ensure accurate data
• Insulators vs. conductors
• Reflection of light
• Angles
• Calculating difference in temperature change
• Safety (as I scorched my hand on the light)
• Conduction, convection, radiation
• Heat capacity
• Real World application
• DESIGN and ENGINEERING principles
• And more...

The students were soon taking control of the investigation. I was merely the person responsible for turning the light on/off (because it gets PRETTY hot). Taking photos, screen shots of the data, and discussing the various designs, these kids had an amazing 2 days of testing. 

Oh...we do have a Science OAA test next Thursday. Are we preparing for that? Damn right! Talking the talk, blending the content, pulling forward great visuals to integrate with vocabulary. I can't imagine a better way to get ready for a science test than DOING science. And, if the test doesn't match up with this type of science...their loss. They will not have an accurate picture of my scientists. But, as I discussed with my fifth graders...SCIENCE RARELY COMES IN A MULTIPLE CHOICE FORMAT!

Since our initial 2 days, we have had about 20 more oven brought in for testing, several initial designs have been improved for follow up testing, and students will soon begin building lab reports. There are many comparisons and data sharing that can occur now. They will have a choice in the format for that...

• Keynote presentation
• Pages lab form
• iMovie video

Follow-up post on that!

WVIZ AppShare+

When asked to present at WVIZ, I was super thrilled to share some of the amazing things my students have been accomplishing in the classroom using the iPad. These slide have some of my major points from the presentation.