I saw many apps from NASA that would enhance our 3rd and 5th grade curriculum...videos and images of the planets, the sun, and the moon. Students would also be able track the International Space Station! What a way to make the concept of "space" more real! Since third grade studies the planets and actually visits NASA, these apps could either be used before the trip to build background knowledge or after the trip to explore the concepts much more in depth. The phases of the moon is a concept that is taught in 5th grade. The use of the apps would definitely make this learning more hands-on and real.
Many apps that I explored could be used to "liven up" practice situations in the classroom. Students in several of the You Tube videos were using iTouches to enhance spelling practice, the recall of math facts, and the recall of the state capitals. All of these concepts were being reinforced through interactive games. Students in the videos were totally engrossed in their activities. Also, they were able to explain how using the iTouches not only helped them learn, but the iTouches also made learning fun!
The highlighted links will take you to the review of the apps so that you can evaluate them.
Could you give the names of specific apps so we can search for them?
ReplyDeleteDefinitely see how I could use the NASA apps for space science next year in 5th!
ReplyDeleteHey Julie..this is a neat way for kids to participate in active learning and liven up a lesson...kids are so in tuned to technology that they will surly gravitate to these apps!
ReplyDeleteYour reflections are very good and insightful!!