Herts ICT Team

Herts ICT Team
Objectives for the session
• To explore if, or when ICT should be used
in Primary Science
• To review hardware, software and
resources which could usefully support
learning in science
Should we use ICT?
The National Curriculum and Strategy documents
make specific references to how ICT can be used
to support teaching and motivate children’s
learning.
However…
• Planning for the use of ICT should always start
from the learning objectives for the lesson.
• Will using ICT will make the teaching and
learning of these objectives:
Easier, Better or just Different.
Use ICT if the content:
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directly relates to the Science objectives
enhances the Science lesson
supports good teaching in Science
improves the children's learning in Science
If the above do not apply, DON’T use ICT!
Ways that ICT can support
Science teaching
• As a tool for modelling ideas and
strategies
• To demonstrate, explain and question
• To stimulate discussion
• To invite predictions and
interpretations of what is displayed
• To ask individual children to give an
instruction or a response.
ICT approaches in Science
at KS2
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Capturing scientific data
Simulating or modelling a situation
Recording experiments
Gathering information
Developing and sharing ideas
Presenting findings and conclusions
Using ICT in Science
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The Digital Microscope
Digital cameras
Ecolog data logging device
Herts grid- ICT in science web site
Other resources
Using ICT in Science
The Digital Microscope
• All primary schools in England were given
an Intel Play Microscope as part of the
Year of Science.
• The microscope links to a computer
showing the magnified images on the
screen or interactive white board.
Using ICT in Science
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The Digital Microscope
allows children to view magnified objects easily
has possible uses beyond an ordinary microscope
extends children’s ICT skills
is portable and can be used to view most objects
is great fun to use and very motivating
has a presentational elements allowing children
to create video clips, special effects and store
images.
Using ICT in Science
Digital Cameras
• Recording experiments eg. sun position in
the sky; changes in growth; changes in
materials
• Pictures of objects for labelling eg.
components of electrical circuits
• Pictures to stimulate discussion / written
annotation eg: teeth; food; habitats
Using ICT in Science
Datalogging helps children to:
• ask questions, predict and hypothesise
• observe, measure and record, and
manipulate variables
• interpret results and evaluate scientific
evidence
• present and communicate their findings in
a variety of ways.
Using ICT in Science
Datalogging advantages:
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Ability to collect quantitative data
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Faster recording of multiple readings
freeing up time for discussion and analysis
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Pupils of all abilities able to record data
accurately and plot graphs using the
automatic graphing function.
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Measure light and sound levels
Measure quantities over long periods of time.
Using ICT in Science
Datalogging disadvantages:
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Setting up the equipment
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Learning how to use the software
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What to do when it goes wrong
Using ICT in Science
The Hertfordshire Grid
• The Grid now has linked activities to each
QCA Science unit
www.thegrid.org.uk
– click Curriculum, ICT, Primary Subject Support, Science
Using ICT in Science
The Hertfordshire Grid:
a few examples ...
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http://www.welltown.gov.uk/school/dining.html
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http://www.uhrad.com/kids/animals.htm
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http://www.thegrid.org.uk/learning/science/teachin
g/ks1-2/index.shtml#y5
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http://commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/dlcme/zoo/zdcmain.html
Websites for Science
A website for
graphics:
www.angelsoft.co.uk
Two more worth looking at:
www.howstuffworks.com
www.brainpop.com
Lots more in your pack.
Using ICT in Science
Other resources:
• Electrical circuits
• Powerpoint 1
• Powerpoint 2
• Powerpoint 3
Time to explore ...