Science

Science //"Acids and Bases, Oh My!" // __Meets Ohio Science Pre K - 8 Standards: __ Science Inquiry and Application During the years of grades 5-8 all students must use the following scientific processes to construct their knowledge and understanding in all science content areas: Identify questions that can be answered through scientific investigations; Design and conduct a scientific investigation; Use appropriate mathematics, tools and techniques to gather data and information; Analyze and interpret data; Develop descriptions, models, explanations and predictions; Think critically and logically to connect evidence and explanations; Recognize and analyze alternative explanations and predications; and Communicate scientific procedures and explanations.

Physical Science Strand Topic: Conservation of Mass and Energy The properties of matter are determined by the arrangement of atoms. Substances are classified according to their properties, such as metals and acids. Acids and bases are included in this topic.

__Technology Needs: __ One computer for each small group Glogster account created by classroom teacher for each student group. Glogster template created by classroom teacher and saved as group project Glogs. Digital camera that can take still photos and one to two-minute video clips – 1 per group USB or other cable to transfer still images and video from camera to computer – I per group

__Task Description with Technology Integration: __

After an introductory exploration exercise with bitter and sour foods students will have a foundation with acids and bases. The next step is to work in small groups to design a scientific investigation to identify “mystery” clear liquids as acids or bases using cabbage juice as an indicator. A template scaffolding the steps of the scientific method will be provided to all groups using Glogster. Students will post each step of the experiment will be posted on the group’s Glog. Each group Glog will include text, photos of results and a video clip of the group process of testing the “mystery” liquids. Group glogs will be posted for peer review and class discussion of the scientific method and knowledge gained about acids and bases. Each group will also post the photo of their results to the "Hooray for Tech Day" Glog.

A link to the website and a screen shot are shown below:

[|Acids and Bases Glog]



__

Supporting Research: __ The benefits of blogging, or in this case, Glogging, include the ability to showcase student work, give quieter students a voice, support the type of collaborative efforts students will encounter in the their adult professions and provide an audience broader than just a teacher. Sawmiller highlights the value of reading and writing using the language of science as central to an effective science curriculum. Sawmiller also states that the use of blogging and Glogging encourages critical thinking and a deeper understanding science cognition and meta-cognition. Scientific concepts are strengthened using digital technologies because tools like Glogster help students organize information and connect to prior knowledge. Blogging tools allow for choices so students are active in their learning and feel empowered. The varying learning styles supported with a Glog allow students to feel engaged in their areas of learning preference or strength.

Sawmiller, A. (2010). Classroom Blogging: What is the Role in Science Learning?. //Clearing House//, //83//(2), 44-48. doi:10.1080/00098650903505456.

Neas, B. (2005). TOMORROWLAND When New Technologies GET NEWER. //Educause// //Review//, //40//(6), 15-30. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database.

__"Tried and True" or "New and Innovative?": __ Glogster.edu is a new resource that combines the idea of blogging with added features of being able to imbed text, photos and video. The format is in the style of a scrapbook. Each glog can be compared to a single page in the scrapbook. Students have many choices for framing their text, photos and video. Choices of backgrounds, fonts and colors allow students to make their pages unique. Teachers are able to set up to 100 accounts for free each year. Glogs are password protected by their owners and privacy levels can be set, keeping educational content and student work secure, but allowing for sharing within a class. The strong visual and technical appeal makes Glogging engaging and an innovative tool to create and share student learning.