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.

New Book Just Arrived!

Now you can review and purchase Using Web 2.0 and Social Networking Tools in the K-12 Classroom. Learn how to get started with each tool and take advantage of ready-to-teach units that support K-12 curricular standards.

Some examples of the book’s contents include:
--Collaborating and Communicating with Blogs
--Creating Multidisciplinary Wikis
--Google Tools: Enhancing Instruction in the Science Curriculum
--K-12 Classrooms Join the Social Networking Revolution
--Using VoiceThread and Video to Improve Language Development
--Creating Community

Also review the website that accompanies the book.

Set your date for Computer Using Educators Conference (CUE)

Set aside time to attend the CUE conference in Palm Springs, CA on March 15-17. As a past presenter at the conference, I know sessions, networking and other activities are really technologically worthwhile and fun too!

Attend hands-on sessions, workshops, Diverse Learners Symposium, the Bloggers Cafe, CUETips, Poster sessions and so much more.

At the same time as the conference, attend CUE Unplugged, a series of activities that take place in, around, and with the support of the annual conference. All of these events are free and do not require signing up anywhere except to be registered for CUE.

Register now!

White House K-12 Science Fair

President Obama hosted the second-ever White House Science Fair, featuring research and inventions from K-12 students. More than 100 students represented 30 student teams with projects showcasing the talents of American's next generation of scientists, engineers, inventors, and innovators. Projects ranged from robots in the Blue Room to rockets in the Red Room to marshmallow cannons in the State Dining Room.

Review some of the exhibits and also find out about contests your students can enter in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) from across the country.

How to Write a Quality Comment!

This video, created by Mrs. Yollis' students is excellent. Follow it and have your students create great comments to their classmates' blog or others. See more about blogging and commenting at http://teacherchallenge.edublogs.org/2011/02/22/student-blogging-activity-3-beginner-teaching-quality-commenting/.