Journey Into the Cell

School is back in session!  For teachers and students this looks to be an exciting year filled with technological adventures.  Classrooms are transforming as we discover the need to keep up with the changing landscape of our society.  The team at Emantras recently launched an amazing app for the iPad: Cell and Cell Structure.  This app brings technology to the head of the class and allows for many exciting explorations on the cellular level.

Aimed at middle school students, the Cell and Cell Structure app takes students on a journey into the cell as they explore the basic building block of life.  Upon launching the app, you have three options from which to choose: All About Cells, Videos, or Interactive Activities.  The All About Cells section provides the "notes" for the journey.  Students explore a sideshow of three-dimensional images and can read information about topics such as "What is a cell?" or "Benefits of a Multicellular Organism." The videos provide an in-depth exploration of specific topics such as an explanation of mitosis in both plant and animal cells.  Currently there are only four videos, but more are planned to be included in future updates.  The material presented in these sections complement any middle-school life science course by providing visually stunning 2-D and 3-D imagery, using accurate vocabulary and presenting information beyond the standard course of study.  Finally, the interactive activities provide students a chance to practice and apply the material through word searches, flashcards and quizzes.  Scores are recorded on the quizzes allowing teachers to measure student progress. 

Cell and Cell Structure should greatly enhance any biology course by providing students a fun and exciting way to learn about cells.  The interface is extremely user-friendly and kids should have zero trouble navigating through the various sections.  The images are absolutely amazing!  Our 9 year old was captivated and found himself lost in the cellular world for quite a while.   Our 11 year old really enjoyed the interactive flashcards and the slide showcasing the Venn diagram of the plants versus animals cells.  She told me she was "excited to use this in school this year."  That is every homeschoolers dream!  

As a homeschool mom and educator, this is by far one of my favorite educational apps.  It goes beyond the need of meaningfully integrating technology by showing a glimpse into the future as we shift to a more global, internet-based classroom.  Webinars, online textbooks, digital learning, and social media are reshaping the landscape of education.  The team at Emantras recognizes this trend.  Appropriate for middle through high school, this app provides not only an exciting journey into the cell, but an exciting journey into the future of education.

Head to the Lab with Virtual Rat Dissection!

Last year, our kids were totally grossed out by Frog Dissection!  To quote our second-grader, "Mom, it's totally gross, but so cool!"  Our kids were enthralled by this app and were able to successfully complete a frog dissection flying solo.  Not too bad considering they ranged in age from 4-10!  Thanks to the creators at Punflay, they have another opportunity to be "grossed out" with their new app, Rat Dissection.  Aimed at middle-schoolers, this app allows students to dissect a rat in school or on the go using virtual tools and without all of the mess. Using beautiful, 3-D imagery and voice-over instruction, students are guided through a sequence of steps to complete the dissection process.  Along the way, you can tap on an organ to learn more details about its function. 

As an educator and homeschooling mom, I love that this app provides our children with quality educational materials at a fraction of the cost of a real lab.  In addition, the creators did not "dumb down" the material in order to reach a wider audience.  Real science is taught using real vocabulary.  The scientific minds at our home greatly appreciate this and I am not talking about mom and dad!  Rat Dissection provides a wonderful introduction to organs, organ systems and their functions.  Teachers and parents can feel confident that children are learning and engaged.  The smell of formaldehyde does have its place in the Biology classroom, however, for those seeking an alternative experience or a supplement to their existing curriculum, this app is the way to go!  Rat Dissection is available for download at iTunes for $3.99.  

Check out other amazing apps by the genius minds at Punflay!

• Frog Dissection
• My Word Wall
• Number Sense HD

Searching for the Perfect Science Curriculum

Inspired by a recent post by @davidwees titled "Diving Into Early Elementary Science Curriculum," I thought I would elaborate on the subject of science education from a homeschooling perspective.  Getting to the point, quality resources are in short supply.  In addition, many programs for homeschooling take a religious slant pushing one's particular views over another.  Basically, I agree with David.  There is a great deal out there that contains all of the "bells and whistles," however, lacks in substance and quality.

I have lots of examples, but one that stands out in my mind involves our oldest daughter.  A few years ago, she came home with a study guide for a second grade science test.  At the time, we had not yet started homeschooling.  Her dad, a physics professor at Southeastern Louisiana University (a.k.a @rjallain) decided to help her.  I overheard  a conversation in which she basically told her father, "I understand what is really going on, dad, however, I need to learn it this way to pass the test.  Don't worry!  I know the right way and what it really means."  Honestly, this was and is sad on so many levels.  I find that most science curricula assume kids are not that bright.  I mean, why should they be!  After all, they can only create their own web pages, master MMORPG's (a.k.a. massively multi-player online role playing games), discuss the latest episode of Mythbusters in great details, and program Lego robots.  Why should we assume they could grasp basic scientific concepts?

As for my second issue, I am a practicing Roman Catholic who takes her faith quite seriously.  However, I have a problem when science is taught from a closed-minded perspective.  Whether you agree with various theories or not, I feel children should be aware they are out there.  Hopefully, I will not offend readers with my comments.  I assure you, that is completely not my intention.  

Although I have yet to find the perfect mix, I have found a few programs that present accurate science, promote critical thinking, and engage students through simple experiments.  I encourage you to check them out. 

• R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey by Pandia Press
• CPO Science
• MS Nucleus
• BrainPop

 Others have recommended the following resources: 

• Steve Spangler Science
• Basher and Green Science Books (eg: Chemistry: Getting a Big Reaction)
• Fizz, Bubble & Flash
• Singapore Science
• Living Learning Books
• Top Science
• NOEO Science

Obviously, this is not a comprehensive list.  Hopefully, though, it serves as a good place to start.  Elementary science should be fun and engaging.  Children are naturally curious creatures who are eager to learn.  As educators and homeschoolers, we should always strive to find the best materials that provide a strong foundation, promote critical thinking, and engage the learner.  Above all, we should never underestimate the mind of a child!

Make a Splash With Whales and Dolphins!

As part of the 2010 Louisiana Summer Library Program, I was asked to organize a program about whales and dolphins.  What a fun opportunity!  With this program, it is my hope to spark an interest in these magnificent mammals so that children and teens will rush to their local libraries and R*E*A*D!

As an educator, I love to find exciting ways to integrate technology into the learning process.  For this program, I incorporated a variety of multimedia resources, such as Google Docs, Wordle, Create-a-Graph, online videos, and virtual field trips.  There are also hands-on activities in which students explore the role of blubber using model magic and dive into photo identification in a simple (or maybe not!) matching game.  I have included the presentation and activities used in my program, as well as, a suggested reading list.  Hopefully, this multisensory approach will excite students and motivate learning.

Suggested Reading List

***Coming Soon***

Slideshow Presentation Using Google Docs

(To view directly, click here.)

Program Activities:

• Virtual Whale Watching Expedition
• Blubber Fun!
• Fluke's: A Whale's Fingerprint

Be Inspired by Winter's Tail

• Meet Winter and explore her home at the Clearwater Aquarium in Tampa, FL
• Go on a virtual field trip and meet Winter up close and personal
• Explore the amazing eduational resources on Scholastic to get the most from your field trip
• All Winter! All the time! Check out her webcam!(Warning: Be patient while loading!)

The Quest For the Perfect Science Curriculum

As one school year comes to a close, I have turned my attention towards the next.  My first priority is to decide which science program to implement for our study of earth science and astronomy.  As many homeschooling families are aware there is a shortage of quality science programs.  My goal is to find a program that is hands-on, scientifically accurate, promotes critical thinking, and fuels a passion for learning.  Not too much to ask, right? 

For the past two years, we have been pleased with R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey by Pandia Press.  I am considering continuing with their Earth/Space program for our younger children, however,  I need a greater challenge for our 5th/6th grader.  They currently only offer Level 1 courses which typically covers grades 1-4.  For this reason, I have begun an investigation for alternatives or for materials to supplement the Level 1 program.  I'd like to share with you some of the programs I have found so far on this quest.

R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey

Let's begin with the program we are currently using.  The team at Pandia Press as done a fantastic job of bringing science to life for young children.  Each lesson is presented in a story-format presenting concepts in an accurate, yet entertaining manner.  This program does not shy away from "big terms" and uses accurate scientific vocabulary throughout the lesson.  Following the text are correlating hands-on activities in which the concept can be further investigated.  Throughout the entire program, students are asked to conjecture, observe, interpret plots and graphs, perform age-appropriate math calculations and draw conclusions based upon what they have read and explored. 

We just finished the Chemistry Level 1 program and I am amazed at what our children learned.  They begged to do science each day and could not wait for the labs.  From drawing atomic models to distinguishing types of chemical reactions, they were exposed to concepts many people do not see until high school.  Without a doubt, R.E.A.L. Science fosters scientific inquiry while instilling a love for learning.

Classic Science

I recently stumbled across this comic-book inspired curriculum created by an 8th grade science teacher with an alter-ego, Mr. Q.  It only takes one visit to his site to discover Mr. Q has a passion for teaching and genuine love of science.  Geared for 6-12 year olds, each course consists of 36 weeks of lessons broken down into two days of reading, vocabulary and writing followed by two days of hands-on activities and experiments.  In addition to the student e-text, there is a supplemental parent e-text that provides additional background information and materials required for the experiments.  Review questions and tests are available to round out each unit.  Mr. Q is so confident you will be impressed that you can actually try the Elementary Life Science e-text for FREE.  For more information and lots of great ideas, check out the Blog of Mr. Q.

Math/Science Nucleus

MS Nucleus is a non-profit organization that offers a FREE, online, comprehensive K-12 science curriculum.  Upon visiting their site, you will first have to choose either the Elementary or Secondary portal to access the materials.  The K-6 elementary program is broken down into the study of several "cycles": Applied Science, The Universe Cycle, Plate Tectonics Cycle, The Rock Cycle, The Water Cycle, and The Life Cycle.  Each cycle runs for a designated length of time varying from 4-8 weeks.  Each theme consists of a Pre-Lab, Lab, and Post Lab activities which foster problem-solving and critical thinking.  In addition, the upper elementary grades begin to integrate age-appropriate math skills in order to lay a foundation for quantitative analysis and logical thinking.  There are also a wealth of additional resources including an online dictionary and activities, sideshows, story books, and assessment materials. 

The secondary program is laid out in a similar fashion including investigation in the following areas: Physical Science, Human Biology, Earth Science, Biological Science and Math Integration.  The Earth Science course has completed the e-textbook, assessment materials, and supplemental, online materials.  Like many educational programs, funding is vital.  As a result, the other courses are still a "work-in-progress."  The aim of the secondary program is to build upon the experiences from completion of the elementary program.  Problem-solving, critical thinking, building models, and applying appropriate mathematical concepts make this a challenging program.

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Piecing together your own curriculum, while a daunting task, is another option to consider.  There are a wealth of resources on the web available to both teachers and homeschoolers if you have the time to devote to exploration. Here are a few great resources I have found:

• FOSS Web
• WISE
• BrainPOP
• USGS
• NASA Quest
• NASA Education
• Discovery Education
• BRIDGE Marine Science
• Earthguide
• Science World
• MathMol
• Science Museum
• NOVA
• Sky Diary- KIDSTORM
• UCMP Paleontology
• ReefED- Great Barrier Reef and Marine Science Resources
• ReefHQ- Aquarium
• NHI Education Project

In closing, I find I am not any closer to discovering the "perfect" science curriculum.  However, I leave you energized and excited about the possibilities.  Our children, parents, and educators are fortunate to have a multitude of resources that are so easily accessible.  As a mom, a teacher, and a life-long learner, I plan to continue my quest and I'll be happy to share.