Biology does not exactly come alive out of a textbook. Some concepts have nice labs to go with them, but others would require a microbiology lab. Videos are nice, but not very interactive. Interactive applications for Biology are the best way for students to understand many life processes.
Our school is one of the most diverse schools in Georgia and we embrace this quality whole heartedly.
My students are 9th grade honors and gifted students. They thrive on the use of technology in the classroom and love using apps to learn more about Biology. I wish that all of my students came to me with iPhones, but our economic diversity is as varied as our ethnic diversity. The school is known for its social studies program, but we have a number of students who are interested in STEM. I am dedicated to improving the STEM experience and resources at our school, starting with some technology.
My Project
To understand what these iPads will do for my students you must do two things:
1. Look up meiosis in a textbook or online. Try to learn by only reading about it.
2. Download the app called "snurfle meiosis" and do the "Meiosis and Genetics Interactive"
My words can't describe the difference. You have to experience both methods of learning to understand what I want for my studetns.
Old school methods of teaching science are not disappearing fast enough.
Students are being turned off to science and engineering at an alarming rate. Most of my students come to me able to answer multiple choice questions all day, but unable to write a procedure for a lab. Passing standardized tests is nice, but I want students who can think, understand and enjoy science. Technology is integral part of this paradigm shift. Please help me to inspire future scientists, one student at a time.
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