Sample Learning Activity
Scientific Modeling with Collaborative Whiteboards
Students can practice using modeling conventions to explain an observed phenomenon. By utilizing Microsoft Whiteboards students can practice collaborating and revising their initial ideas to create enhanced models in real time while observing a mystery phenomenon.
12/1/2015Activity Set-Up
Create a mystery phenomenon by inserting a rubber ball into a water bottle. Cover the water bottle so that the contents are not visible. By holding the bottle upside down you can make the bottle hold various small objects like a paperclip, toothpick, string, etc. Demonstrate this with a first object of your choice and then have students try to model what they think is happening inside the water bottle. Then invite students to come up with different iterative tests that could be used to test different models they have created. Observe the results of each test and have students create an updated model after each test.
12/2/2015
Curriculum Resources
This activity leverages technology to augment the student experience. It aligns with NGSS and the phenomenon studied can be substituted for a variety of scientific concepts depending on the unit of focus.
Learn More12/3/2015Formative Assessment
Student models can be examined in real time, allowing the teacher to provide immediate feedback to students. Digital models are also easily saved and then compared to future modeling exercises, enabling students to develop a modeling portfolio where they can assess and reflect on the development of their science modeling skills.
12/4/2021Summative Assessment
Students can reference their saved digital models and integrate them into their final explanations of a science concept to conclude a unit. These models could be integrated as visuals in their typed claim, evidence, and reasoning responses or utilized in other media like a narrated Powerpoint or video explanation where students are assessed a science communication and explanation rubric tailored to the specific phenomenon being studied.
12/7/2021Leveraging Student Data
Student models provide a rich insight into student thinking about a specific science concept. Reviewing created models can empower the teacher to identify misconceptions or challenges in the modeling process, which can inform further interventions for clarifying specific concepts and modeling effective modeling conventions.
12/13/2021