COURSE PSCI 505: Use of Technology in Teaching Science

DEVELOPER AND THEIR BACKGROUND

COURSE DESCRIPTION This course explores technology that has been designed for use in the
classroom. The utilization and evaluation of various technologies and their
appropriateness for the Science curriculum will be emphasized. Students will
identify, develop and apply a variety of technological skills congruent to their
educational technology philosophy. This course also explores how technology
may be used as a tool in the 21st Century Science classroom to facilitate
changes in the ways teachers teach and students learn, and ultimately to
stimulate positive changes in education. It also examines how educators can
increase their own productivity by using technology for communication and
collaboration among colleagues, staff, parents, students, and the larger
community. Students will examine the benefits and possible drawbacks of
technology use in their classroom and learn how to integrate technology
effectively into their teaching as a means to promote student learning.

COURSE OUTLINE COURSE CONTENT/

WEEK
SUBJECT MATTER
Orientation on the TSU Vision, Mission
and Core Values; College of Education
1
Goal and Objectives; Introduction to the
course
2 Science and Technology in the Past,
Technology Integration in Science
3
Classroom
4 Technology Tools in Teaching Science
5 Virtual and Online Learning
6 Blended Learning
7 Open Educational Resources
8 Digital Educational Resources
Methods and Strategies in Science
9
Teaching using Computer Software
10 Using Classroom Technology in Science
Using Science Modules and Lesson
11
Plans
Issues, Views, and Concerns in the
Application of Technology in Teaching
12
Science

Presentation of Different Integrative

13 Learning Strategies using Technology in
Teaching Sciences
Application of Software commonly used
14
in Science Education
15 Computer Software Workshop
16 Major Exams
TITLE Application of Software Commonly used in Science Education

I. RATIONALE Applications software is capable of dealing with user inputs and helps the
user to complete the task. It is also called end-user programs or only an
app. It resides above system software. First user deals with system
software, after that he/she deals with application software. The end user
uses applications software for a specific purpose. It is programmed for
simple as well as complex tasks. It can either be installed or accessed
online. It can be a single program or a group of small programs that are
referred to as an application suite. 

In this Module the Application of Software Commonly used in Science

Education, will be considered in this section.
INSTRUCTION TO THE USERS To the users of this Module,

This Module contains a discussion about Application of Software

Commonly used in Science Education. There are several activities
provided that you need to accomplish. This will help you enrich your
knowledge and understanding about the lesson. Follow and read carefully
the instructions.

PRE-TEST MULTIPLE CHOICE: Identify what is being described. Choose your

answer inside the box.

The chemical touch Project Noah

Arduino Science Journal Learn. Genetics

NASA Visualization Explorer Phyphox

PHET Frog Dissection

Nova Labs Got It!

 _________1. A full periodic table is given on the app. Once a student
touches a specific element, they can study it more in depth.

_________2. Simulations project at the University of Colorado Boulder

creates free interactive math and science simulations

_________3. Combines video with interactive tasks and real data sets in
creating the Sun, Energy, Cloud, RNA, Cybersecurity, and Evolution labs.

_________4. Perfect for expanding upon concepts learned in class or

research for projects, this NASA app helps students explore our universe
even more.

_________5. Measure sound, light, and more using the sensors in your
phone. 

_________6. One of the most stereotypical science experiments, frog

dissecting, can now be done virtually.
_________7. Employing experts in the STEM standards, students can
upload a snapshot of their homework question and get one-on-one help
to understand the problem.
_________8. It’s a tool to explore and document wildlife and a platform to
harness the power of citizen scientists everywhere.”
_________9. You'll find lots of good articles and videos about Genetics.
_________10. This app has demonstrated itself to be useful and
impressive for physics teaching.

II. LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of this module, you will be able to:
 a. Identify the software that are commonly used in science teaching;

b. Construct a science project/activity that utilizes the use of

software; and

c. Show appreciation by pointing out the importance to these

software and in making learning more meaningful.

III. CONTENT
A. PREPARATPORY Who am I??? The teacher will show 5 pictures. The student will guess the
ACTIVITIES name of each picture.(The teacher will give clues if the student cannot
guess the picture.)

The Chemical Touch

Frog Dissection

NASA Visualization
Explorer
 PHET Interactive
Simulations

Learn. Genetics

B. DEVELOPMENTAL ACTIVITIES

Application of Software Commonly used in Science Education

In the classroom, students are learning to harness technology to dig deeper into specialized topics and work on
solutions that can have a local and global impact. Here we've gathered a list of the most content-rich tools that also
weave in real-world connections, design thinking, and community features.
Here are some common Application of Software used in Science Education.

1. The Chemical Touch

This amazing resource will help students ace Chemistry. A full periodic table
is given on the app. Once a student touches a specific element, they can
study it more in depth such as its atomic mass and properties. It also has an
amino acid chart with in-depth information. Each element and amino acid
also have a link to a Wikipedia article for more information.

2. Frog Dissection
One of the most stereotypical science experiments, frog dissecting, can
now be done virtually. For students who get queasy or who would prefer
to avoid this experiment due to religious reasons, this app is a perfect alternative for them. Featuring step-by-
 step instructions, there is plenty of in-depth information on each of the frog’s organs including anatomical
comparisons to human organs.

3. NASA Visualization Explorer

Perfect for expanding upon concepts learned in class or research for projects, this
NASA app helps students explore our universe even more. With articles and visuals,
students can discover more about the earth, the solar system, and beyond in depth.
NASA adds new stories every week to keep the app and its information up to date.

4. PHET Interactive Simulations

Founded in 2002 by Nobel Laureate Carl Wieman, the PhET Interactive Simulations
project at the University of Colorado Boulder creates free interactive math and science
simulations. PhET sims are based on extensive education research and engage students
through an intuitive, game-like environment where students learn through exploration and
discovery.

5. Learn. Genetics
You'll find lots of good articles and videos at Learn.Genetics that will
help kids learn about complex biology topics. The site is simple,
colorful, well organized, and easy to use; one thing that would make
the library even easier for kids is a search function or index so you
can more quickly find the things you need.

The content pages are high quality -- not too long or wordy and
accompanied by clear, colorful images or engaging videos. Together, the basic Explore and Interactive
Explore pages allow kids to progress through the content at their own pace and then move on to learn more.
The site also includes a set of four biotech virtual labs, covering topics such as DNA extraction and gel
electrophoresis -- a great intro to basic biotech topics. In the evolution library, one nice feature is a summary
box on each page listing common misconceptions about evolution, along with the
real explanation. Overall, Learn.Genetics does a wonderful job introducing the
basics and getting kids to dive deep into specialized biology concepts.

6. Nova Labs
 NOVA Labs combines video with interactive tasks and real data sets in creating
the Sun, Energy, Cloud, RNA, Cybersecurity, and Evolution labs. Designed for middle and high
school students, the labs place content learning within a simulated "research challenge" -- predicting solar
storms or designing RNA, for example. Videos are used throughout the labs to share content and tasks; they
are also helpfully available from both the site and the lab home pages.

7. Arduino Science Journal

Measure sound, light, and more using the sensors in your phone. The Arduino
Science Journal app is intended to be a pocket science laboratory because it allows
students to measure data in real time using a phone. Sensors record ambient light
(lux), intensity of sound in decibels (dB), and acceleration of the phone moving in
three planes (m/s2). Students can design their own experiments and use Science Journal to collect and
annotate data.

8. Phyphox
The phyphox app has demonstrated itself to be useful and impressive for physics teaching. The app is free to
download and has so many features that it seems it may be particularly helpful in this time of distance
learning. Phyphox (pronounced to sound like “physics”) works for Android and Apple
phones, and there are many experiments already available for it online and built in.
In this article we describe some of the best experiments to do with the app, provide
advice for finding and writing labs, and go further to suggest how phyphox might
help add interactive minilabs to our physics lectures.

9. Got It!

Students studying for the SAT, chemistry, or physics can get extra help and
explanations with this app. Employing experts in the STEM standards, students can
upload a snapshot of their homework question and get one-on-one help to
understand the problem. Students get a free 10-minute session for each problem. It
even includes SAT prep questions and practice tests.
Don’t have a question, but need help learning a new topic covered in school? PhotoStudy Academy has over
 750 lessons that cover ANY Math, Physics and Chemistry topic! Lessons are taught by Sally, the world’s first
interactive STEM teaching bot! Lessons are through a chat session instead of video, so they instantly load,
are interactive, and use practically no data! If something is not clear at any point in the lesson, you can ask
Sally for a more detailed explanation and let it know when you are ready to continue!

10. Project Noah

Project Noah “is a tool to explore and document wildlife and a platform to harness the
power of citizen scientists everywhere.” This app is a great way to get students
involved in biology and ecology at home with interactive homework assignments.
Rather than studying animals and plants from a textbook, students can go out in
nature and take pictures of their assigned plant or animal. They can even earn
“badges” which also makes this a great app for the Boy Scouts.

The Teacher will explain or show videos on how to use the given Software Application for a certain topic.

Example:

Topic: Latitude and Longitude.

When we describe the Earth in spherical coordinates it is called Geographic, or Un-projected. The most common
system for locating points on the earth is with "Longitudes" and "Latitudes". Both longitude and latitude are angles
measured with the center of the earth as an origin. A longitude is an angle from the prime merdian, measured to the
east (longitudes to the west are negative). Latitudes measure an angle up from the equator (latitudes to the south are
negative).
Let’s say the discussion has been done. The teacher will give an activity using the PHYPHOX application.
Instructions:
1. Download the application PHYPHOX. (Should be downloaded before the day of the
activity.)
2. Open the App.
3. Choose Location(GPS)
4. Click the play button. Turn on GPS. Wait for 30 seconds.
5. Screenshot your data or save it using Export Data.

By simply using the app you can now have a real time activity aside from using the Map and the Globe.
This will also help the students to gain a glimpse of appreciation about the topic that you have been discussing.

C. CLOSURE ACTIVITIES The student will have an activity wherein they will use the software
 application of PHYPHOX.

What are your current positions Latitude, Longitude and Altitude?

What is the importance of this software application or the other apps

that we have discussed in your learning?
IV. SYNTHESIS / ● Science can be hard. Science homework can be harder, especially
GENERALIZATION when the teacher isn’t there to help. Many parents now are struggling
to help students with their STEM and Common Core aligned science
homework, no matter what specific scientific branch it is.

● Application software, or app for short, is software that performs specific

tasks for an end-user. Effectively, if the user is interacting directly with
a piece of software it is application software. For example, PHET,
Phyphox, The Chemical Touch, Project Noah etc,.
● Software Application for Science helps both students and teachers to
have a better engagement, realistic and exciting class discussion.
V. EVALUATION
1. List down five Applications of Software Commonly used in Science Education.
a.______________
b.______________
c.______________
d.______________
e.______________

2. Choose at least one. Explain briefly how this application can help you better in your lesson.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________.
ASSIGNMENT/AGREEMENT
1. Using the Chemical Touch software choose your favorite element from
the Periodic Table and write down the benefits of this element in your
health or in the environment.

REFERENCES
The Tech Advocate
https://www.theedadvocate.org/10-apps-help-students-science-homework/?
fbclid=IwAR21_sbs12rDnFVJc1gzUtK7ipJhYvq
QMDNuga8Ocrx4y0JCj8hZc8y4kqs

The Common Sense Education

https://www.commonsense.org/education/top-picks/10-best-science-tools-for-
high-school?fbclid=IwAR1s4U-
nvR9M0x7apiSb_RMjqf9SsGtVz0GtFwV6GkBUSTe6esY6pGVwH98