WebQuests - Middle School Science

Here are some interesting WebQuests that I found useful for my 8th Grade Science class:

Intrusion Stopper - http://coe.nevada.edu/bjohannessohn/intrusionstopper/WEBQuest/

• Focuses on creating an alarm for your bedroom (to keep your pesky little brother out of your room). An interesting site that provides a lot of activities for the students to study circuits and electricity. This is a fun site that keeps the students actively engaged. It is also written in a format that is entertaining, allowing the students to have fun while learning.

WebQuest 6: Light - http://www.webquest.hawaii.edu/webquests/webquest6/steps.html

• While this starts out somewhat slow, it picks up when the students get into the activities. I think the mirror activities would be a lot of fun for my middle school students. It makes them have to think about what they are learning. It really enforces why shaped mirrors display odd images (focusing on the angle the light enters the eye). This particular activity has the students "creating" a shaped mirror using convex and concave panels. The goal is to reproduce the reflected image that is given on the page. Through trial and error, the students

Computer-Based Instructional Objects

One way of actively engaging the student in the curriculum is to develop a computer-based instructional object. This is a device that allows the student to study the curriculum independently, either in class or outside of the class period. While this is an excellent way to add further enrichment to the subject matter, there are a few problems that can develop.

Internet availability: Some districts (like my own) have a large number of families who do not have access to the internet. Either they do not have a computer, or cannot obtain service at their home. While this type of instruction does not require the internet, it is a handy method of accessibility for the teacher to employ. What I've found is that assignments given in this manner must have extra time attached, so the student will have time to use the school computers.

Computer Accessibility: Utilizing the computer lab at school can be a constant battle. Many times, you have to sign up for the lab weeks in advance. This can limit the time that the students are able to complete the assignment. Aside from this, there are classes that must use the lab (computers, typing, career cruising, etc...); this creates scheduling conflicts with some classes and not others. For example, I am usually able to get my morning classes into the lab, but the afternoon classes suffer because the lab is required for two afternoon classes.

Time Frame: For the student to complete an assignment of this nature, a time frame must be established. Establishing a time frame sets parameters that the student must follow. It also forces the student to develop time management skills. How long should the student have to finish the assignment? That depends on computer accessibility, lab time, and what computer resources the student has at home. I've found, through using MOODLE, that 5-7 days is often plenty for the student to complete the average assignment

While technology allows us to present the curriculum to our students in new and exciting ways, it does present us with unique problems. Through creative time management, flexibility, and the desire to incorporate technology into the classroom, these obstacles can be over come. In overcoming these obstacles, we can make our classes a stronger learning environment for our students.

Web Pages vs. Blogs

Web pages and blogs are two prevalent technologies used in cyberspace to grab the reader's attention. While both are effective methods for presenting information, they seem to differ in design. A traditional web page is a more formal device for presenting information. Like an advertisement/commercial, most will grab your attention with the hope that you will possibly explore the site to research, shop, or utilize for financial needs (pay bills, monitor accounts, etc...).

The other side of the coin is the blog. This is device used to present information in a non-traditional method. Information is posted in a less formal manner. The author is given the chance to have his or her voice heard. While some may use this as a chance for personal exchange/debate, others may use it to present news, reviews, or opinions to the rest of the world. The blog puts a more modern twist on the traditional website by allowing it to become more personal.

Here I am, testing out my new blog. The online session from tonight was nice, as I was able to get a few ideas for the STAIR project.

• A PowerPoint focusing on electromagnetic radiation (waves) - would be a nice setup for a tutorial for some of the special needs students that I have.