4 The internet and my future classroom

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/scienceclips/ages/8_9/solid_liquids_fs.shtml

SC.2.P.8.3 Recognize that solids have a definite shape and that liquids and gases take the shape of their container.

Simulation

I would use this online simulation to give my students a visual representation of how a solid can change to a liquid and vice versa.  It also shows students what temperature is needed for the objects to be liquid or solid.  We would most likely not be able to do this type of experiment in class because it is too dangerous and second graders are too young to be dealing with that type of heat.  Therefore, the simulation is the best way to be able to show students how liquids and solids transform into each other when heat is added or taken away.

I think that the internet is very useful in student research because it is quick and simple.  It is extremely useful in finding the definition of vocab, finding facts about something, and starting research.  The internet provides the student with thousands of sites about each topic which can be incredibly useful while researching something.  However, not all these sites are valid.  The student needs to be sure the site they are using is credible and accurate before using it for their research. 

Throughout my past research experience, I have evaluated sites by asking myself several questions: (1) does the site have an author? (2) does site provide a date when it was published? (3) does it cite its sources? (4) what is the site’s domain (.edu and .gov are more credible than .com or .org)? (5) does the site have a good and organized design? My methods of research differ from those mentioned in the podcast because the podcast recommends open sources, which are free sources that are especially helpful for new teachers.

I learned several new skills while completing the Web Hunt assignment.  One of these new skills is finding a document that was published after a certain date.  You can also find a site published before a certain date by putting “before:” in your Google search.  Another skill I learned is how to exclude a site from my search.  All you have to do is put the sign, “-“, directly followed by the site you want to exclude and it will not show up in your search.  These skills will be very helpful in any future research I have to do in the future.

• Find a website that allows students to make and edit videos.
• Find a presentation software students can use for projects besides Prezi.