Web 2.0 Tools
for the Classroom
Specifically for a Science 9 Classroom
Solar System Scope
S0lar System Scope is an online 3D interactive model of the solar system and night sky. This web tool is a great companion to Unit E of Science 9, which is Space and Exploration.
It provides a variety of different viewing options (time of day, year, place), models of the planets, major stars and constellations, as well as information on each planet, star or constellation. Solar System Scope is free to use and does not collect personally identifiable information from children under the age of 13.
Solar System Scope is a fantastic tool for students who are visual learners, or those who needs visual aids to understand key concepts. Offered as a web, desktop and mobile app, this tool is accessibility to all types of learners at a variety of times and places. It provides a different method of representation of course content in an interactive and engaging way which helps student's access, understand and retain key concepts and relevant information.
PTable.com
PTable.com is a dynamic, interactive, online periodic table that would be a useful web tool for Science 9 Unit B: Matter and Chemical Change. PTable provides multiple write-up sources, photos and even videos for each of the elements. It also groups elements with shared characteristics (such as metals vs. non-metals) using colour highlighting.
This tool would be a great addition to the Science 9 classroom as it provides a variety of features that are beneficial to students. The colour grouping of the elements aids students in visualizing trends within the periodic table. This feature helps students who are visual learners or need multiple forms of representation. Another awesome feature of PTable is that the information write-ups for each element can be translated into a variety of languages. This feature is useful for ESL students who struggle reading english text.
PTable is free to use, tablet friendly and keyboard accessible. As well the site can be stored and therefore used offline. Another great feature is that the user can print any view or visualization of the site under a Creative Commnons license.
Froguts Virtual Dissections
Froguts is a virtual dissection lab service that can be used at both school and home. Froguts uses audio narration, captioned text, interactivity and visual aids to deliever key concepts and theory. This web 2.0 tool provides a variety of dissection labs that allow students to explore anatomy & physiology of different animals.
Within the classroom, Froguts can be used in a variety of ways. Primarily, this tool can be used as a virtual dissection alternative to students who voluntarily opt-out of in-class dissections. Along the same lines, Froguts can provide visual dissections to students at schools that cannot afford in-class demonstrations or science labs. On top of providing an alternative to students, Froguts can be used as an assessment tool. Students can be assessed with randomized quizzes or tests for each dissection lab.
In terms of barriers, the audio narratives and captioned texts are beneficial features for students who have difficulty hearing or reading. The interactivity of the online dissections provides an alternative means of engagement for students in the classroom, which supports understanding and retaining of key concepts. As well, Froguts can be accessed online, downloaded or through a mobile app making this supplementary tool accessible to students at a variety of times and places.