The topic I chose is the law of the conservation of energy. Basically, the law states that although energy can change forms, it cannot be created or destroyed. This law touches all parts of science so it is important for students to have a thorough understanding of it.
Websites
My favorite website to use with my students is called Powering our Future. It can be accessed at http://www.poweringourfuture.com/students/index.html. This website provides fifteen energy transformation animations, information about bioenergy, and careers that deal with energy.
Another favorite website is The Physics Classroom. This address takes to you an example of a rollercoaster http://www.physicsclassroom.com/mmedia/energy/ce.cfm. Students really enjoy the animations on this website.
During my search, I found this website http://galileo.phys.virginia.edu/Education/outreach/8thGradeSOL/EnergyBallFrm.htm which was developed by the University of Virginia Physics Department. It has a variety of experiments to use with students to demonstration the conservation of energy.
Activity
I have used the Powering our Future website with my students. First, we discuss the different forms of energy. Students like to give examples. Sometimes we even play charades to guess which example a group of students is trying to demonstrate. Next, we list examples of energy transformations in different branches of science. For example, someone may suggest that in the life science field, we convert chemical potential energy (food), to kinetic energy (running a race). At this point we go to the computer lab to explore the website. I have students go to energy transformations link. Students work independently and go through each of the fifteen animations to see if they can answer the questions. After they are done, they compare answers with their group. Next, students explore the bioenergy link. Finally, we explore the energy conservation careers link. When they are finished, students share the career that most interested them from the list. If time permits, students do further research on that career.
Challenges
Probably the biggest challenge I face when using this technology is getting time in the computer lab. We have two computer labs in our school, but one is primarily used for tech classes. The other is available for everyone; however, our language arts department seems to sign up for a great deal of time which prevents others from getting to use it. Our science lab does have some computers but not enough for all students in a class. When I use this lab, I must have two activities going on at the same time. We usually take two days in the lab. One day half of the students work on the computer assignment and half work on a lab. The second day we switch.
Conclusion
I believe it is important for students to have 21st literacy skills. Having students learn while using technology is an important part of my classroom curriculum. I am fortunate enough to have a SmartBoard which allows my students to have access to the Internet on a daily basis; however I really do like them to have a chance to explore with technology on their own.
