Do You Google #7

At the beginning of the year I review the scientific method and the steps students will use all year long to solve problems. The lab I chose to illustrate the scientific method, M&M's most popular color, is similar to a lab I have used in the past except that we did not leave the school. We just counted M&M’s from packages I brought to school. To make the project a little more interesting I would divide the kids in groups and then let them select certain stores where they would buy the M&M’s for the investigation. This would be part of the survey process. Next in order to introduce ways technology could be used to help in the investigation, I want to show students the ease at which a class wiki could be created and used. I would demonstrate how they could add or edit their group’s data and conclusion. Then I would have students the look at the tools the Google site has available which are free. The mapping tool would not only give them directions to the store, but present a picture of the location. The Google Docs tool would not only help them organize the data they collected, but also an opportunity to analyze and present the data in the form of a chart.

I would really strongly consider using this in my class lessons and I would like for students to understand not only the Google tools available but the fact through the use of the Wiki we were able to easily present each groups lab activities and results from one website. I would also like the final presentation of the Wiki to lead to further discussion of the lab and steps involved in the scientific method.

I have had the opportunity these last few weeks to use many Web 2.0 technologies that would definitely make my class more exciting and engage the students in higher order learning skills. I see the need to include these in future lessons in order to help students work together and collaborate, something they will do when they enter the working world.