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Question:
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Why are experiments an essential part of teaching and
learning science? |
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Answer:
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Because they engage the learner in hands-on activities
that make the abstract concepts of science visible and tangible. |
Science interactives function in a similar way. Interactive sites offer
novel examples of science in action that help students better understand
the world around them. What makes a roller coaster stay on its tracks?
What would happen if you changed the speed; the height of the hills; the
shape of the loop?
Science interactives allow students to go beyond the classroom - virtual
tours of a pharmaceutical laboratory, experimenting with the physics of
amusement park rides, and simulating plate movements are among the possibilities!
In addition to the interactive element, many of the sites listed below
offer supporting factual information, related activities, and extension
exercises for students who wish to progress further. Many of these supporting
features are in multimedia format, for example, downloadable documentary
footage.
Another benefit of science interactives is that they are learner-driven.
Students can progress through activities at their own speed. Interactives
also require less intense teacher supervision than experiments where potentially
harmful implements or chemicals may be used. For students with computers
at home, this also means that interactives can be incorporated into homework
activities, or be used just for fun!
Science interactives
on TKI
Cool Science for Curious
Kids
This site is an interactive section of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute
web site. There are activities for students about plants, classifying
species, the air, butterflies, and making observations.
http://www.hhmi.org/coolscience
Funology.com
Funology includes interactive games, movies, and experiments for students
to complete.
http://www.funology.com
Amusement Park
Physics
Build your own roller coaster and watch the consequences! http://www.learner.org/exhibits/parkphysics
Sport! Science
at the Exploratorium
This site includes interactive calculations of braking distances
and energy consumption for cyclists.
http://www.exploratorium.edu/sports/index.html
A Science Odyssey –
You Try It
This interactive website demonstrate plate tectonics, neurological stimulation,
atoms, DNA, radio waves, and changes in household technology, medicine,
and human evolution.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/tryit
Wired Science
Wired Science explores the science in everyday things.
http://www.scienceyear.com/wired/index.html
Hollywood
Science
Discover the science behind famous movie stunts! Is really possible for
the bus in the movie "Speed" to jump the bridge safely? http://www.open2.net/science/hollywood_science
Geology
What
on Earth?
The "What on Earth?" interactive series investigates the structure
and formation processes of the Earth. Teacher notes are included. http://www.tki.org.nz/r/science/curriculum/interactives/what_on_earth/lab_e.php
Chemistry
Pfizer FunZone
This interactive website features the history of medicines and antibiotics,
a virtual tour of microbes, and a virtual electron microscope. http://www.pfizerfunzone.com/funzone/index.html
A Science Odyssey:
Atom Builder –
You try it!
Build your own atom with this website.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/tryit/atom
Space
NASA KIDS
Designed for students aged 5 to 14. this site includes projects, games,
and animations.
http://kids.msfc.nasa.gov
Amazing Space – Space
Telescope Science Institute
This interactive website provides resources made collaboratively by teachers
and scientists. Lessons topics include: comets, black holes, stars, the
solar system, astronaut, and galaxies.
http://amazing-space.stsci.edu
Biology
Virtual Body
This interactive website allows students to investigate the brain, skeleton,
digestive system, and heart.
http://www.medtropolis.com/VBody.asp
Becoming Human
This interactive documentary tells the story of four million years of
human evolution. You can explore an archaeological dig, learn about the
changing physiology of our ancestors, and discover the traits that make
us human.
http://www.becominghuman.org
Bio Interactive
Bio Interactive is an interactive website exploring the world of biology.
Be sure to take part in a "Virtual Lab".
http://www.biointeractive.org
Computer-Enhanced
Science Education: The Whole Frog Project
Explore the anatomy of a frog through the virtual dissector, then put
it back togehter with the Virtual Frog Builder Game!
http://george.lbl.gov/ITG.hm.pg.docs/Whole.Frog/Whole.Frog.html
Please
note: These links were valid when this page was posted. However the Web
is very volatile, and TKI has no control over outside websites. Please
let us know if you find a broken link or if you have an update for a link.
Te Kete Ipurangi recommends that teachers view all websites we link to
before using them with students.
You can register
to receive Hot Topics via email for free by emailing hottopics@tki.org.nz.
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