Learning Science through Games

The Rice University Center for Technology and Learning has a website designed for middle and high school students to explore science topics through games that you won't want to miss. Web Adventures has two sections: 1) for teachers--online activities, guide, free games and more; 2) for students--independent cases where students learn about the topic (e.g., forensic science) and then use what they learn to solve mysteries.

From investigating substances that have both harmful and helpful effects to what it takes to be a forensic scientist in CSI-like adventures, games let students learn about science as they solve the cases. Science careers lets students explore first-hand what it takes to have a career in science.

Teachers: try out this website to introduce a new scientific topic, help them discover what it means to be a scientist or as individual follow-up enrichment activities.

Try using some of these games with your students and let me know what you think!

Google 2012 Science Fair

The Google Science Fair is an online science competition seeking curious minds from around the globe. Anybody and everybody between 13 and 18 can enter. All you need is an idea.

The theme this year is "Everyone has a question. What is yours?" Watch the video to see some possible ideas.

Check out the details and submit your entry by April 1.

Doodle 4 Google contest

It's that time of year--Google's annual Doodle 4 Google K-12 contest. You still have time to send in your doodles, one per child. To enter the Contest, visit the Contest website. Your Doodle must use the Google logo to reflect the Contest theme "If I could travel in time, I'd visit..." Draw your Doodle and follow the instructions that appear on the two-page official entry form.

You still have time to enter and have your entry postmarked by March 20, 2012, and received by March 23, 2012.