Science Bits!

"Science Bits provides teachers with lessons that help them teach science in a way that engages their students. Based on the constructivist 5E Instructional Model, Science Bits lessons use high quality multimedia interactive content to develop an inquiry-based, learning-by-doing method. Science Bits can be used either as a substitute for textbooks or as complementary material."


In a biology classroom, Science Bits can be very helpful in planning and supporting a science lesson. As schools and curriculum move more towards incorporating and mandating technology in the classroom, an application like Science Bits becomes highly useful. Science Bits works perfectly with smart boards and allows students to interact with the lesson in place of traditional oral dictation. The app also allows the instructor to post lessons online with corresponding activities so that students can be active learners at home as well as in school.


As with most technology, the biggest obstacle to using this app would be whether or not students have the access to the technology at home. The benefit of this app is that it can be used primarily in the classroom if your students don't have the access at home.


View below for some sample screen shots and for the link to the app!
















The link to Science Bits: 

http://www.science-bits.com/en/

Flipped Lesson: Clean Coal

For my flipped lesson I decided to pick the topic of "Clean Coal." In my theoretical biology class, my students are learning about sustainability and how we can become more sustainable as a society. In order to do that, they need to learn about different natural resources that we use and their impacts on the environment and communities. Since coal is the cheapest, most widely used and abundant resource, it is a crucial resource to cover. The fact that there is so much information that is easily accessible to students about coal also makes it an ideal topic to want to flip a lesson on.

During the day of my lesson, I am having my students work with a partner for a pair activity. I will be presenting them with a theoretical community which is in need of a power source. They only have the capabilities to use either coal or nuclear power. Using their prior knowledge about nuclear energy and their new found, self-taught knowledge on coal, the students are responsible for choosing one method of energy to provide power to the nearby town. They are then to write a short report on what type of implications the new plant will have for the surrounding environment and nearby town. This will serve as their exit ticket for the day. During their partner time, I will be walking throughout the classroom ensuring that each pair is on the right track and providing prompts for them to think about while working on their report.

The idea of a flipped classroom is a great one. I believe this idea will work better with more simple topics and concepts which don't need extensive scholastic support. Student demographics will also be a concern as if you work in a lower socioeconomic area your students are less likely to have access to technology outside of school.

To read my Ted-Ed lesson click here:
https://ed.ted.com/on/waTIsb7a#watch