STORYBOARD

Link to Storyboard

Here's the link to my storyboard for my multimedia project!

PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY PROJECT

For my second personal technology project, I learned how to use Logger Pro. I had a lot of fun fiddling around with the different sensors I checked out. I chose two experiments that could be done using various probes. The following are screenshots from the experiments:

The screenshots titled "Temperature" and "Conductivity" are from the same experiment. A third sensor (the pH sensor) could also have been used in this experiment. However, I had not checked that one out. So, I completed two-thirds of the experiment. This experiment deals with collecting stream/lake water and testing its three different factors (temperature, conductivity, pH). Since I did not have easy access to stream water, I simply used tap water. This experiment could be used during the teaching of an ecology unit. To be specific: Utah State Standard 1, Objective 3. It would be an engaging way for students to see how abiotic factors might affect biotic factors (how temperature, conductivity, and pH might affect the life forms found in the water source).

The middle screenshot is from the second experiment I conducted. This experiment tests the reflectivity of various, colored surfaces. This experiment could be used to teach Standard 1, Objective 3 (ecology) as well. The results show that lighter colored surfaces are more reflective of light. This could lead into a discussion of the different biomes and how reflectivity affects those ecosystems. In addition, this experiment could also be used to introduce Standard 2, Objective 3 (photosynthesis). The results indicate that darker colors, like green, are less reflective. This could potentially lead into a discussion of plants using light for photosynthesis.

Answers to Questions:
I learned, for one, how to use probes and sensors. I had never used Logger Pro before now. I was impressed by how sensitive the sensors were. They seemed to be giving some very accurate data.

I learned that Logger Pro is an incredibly easy, and interactive way to engage students in the learning process. It makes the process of collecting and analyzing data a lot more interesting. I could see myself using this technology in my classroom whenever we would normally be collecting any type of data. If Logger Pro would work for it, I would use it.

I feel, of the probes I checked out (light, temperature, conductivity, gas pressure) the following would be the most valuable to me: temperature, light, conductivity. I also feel pH might be useful. I think these probes/sensors could be very useful in teaching, among other things, an ecology unit. I thought the gas pressure sensor might be a little more suitable for a chemistry class.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed playing around with Logger Pro. It is definitely a technology I would use in my classroom.  

First Personal Technology Project

I have completed my first personal technology project. I created a webquest using zunal.com


The lesson I created on the webquest fits into the USOE core curriculum under standard 4, objective 3.
Here's the link to my webquest. I hope you like it.

Zunal Webquest


The whole experience of making the webquest was surprisingly easy. I didn't find difficulty in doing anything. The website gave step by step instructions on what should be included on each page. I have found that webquests are such an awesome way to gather multiple resources of information into one location for students to access. In addition, it gives the students a more interactive way to learn the material, than the traditional method of lecturing from the teacher. Webquests also provide a means for teachers to just have fun with the students. I tried to organize mine into a mini "mission" for the "agents" to complete. This would definitely engage students a little more. I would definitely not hesitate to use another webquest in my teaching.


I think Utah core curriculum standard 2, objective 1 and standard 3, objective 1 would both be good areas to consider webquests. Those two obectives just include so much information. Being able to provide the students with various methods of learning the material would be important in these cases. 


Well, I hope you enjoyed what you saw!

PTP Choices

I have decided that for my personal technology projects, I am going to learn how to use logger pro and I am going to create a webquest using zunal. I've already started my webquest, and it's been a lot of fun. I think webquest will definitely be a helpful tool in the future.

Copyright Assignment

This video comes from a media content package that accompanies a Miller and Levine Biology textbook. The individual who posted this video on YouTube did cite it as having come from Prentice Hall. However, since this is material that is normally sold to schools, broadcasting it on the internet where anyone can find and view it without having to pay is in violation of the Fair Use act.

This video was created by a student for educational purposes. The student used a variety of images (none being used for extended periods of time). The entire thing, though, was only sung to the tune of one song (a song by Soulja Boy). While the video is probably still protected under the Fair Use act, the creator could have used small bits of multiple songs and the video would have had the same effect. In addition, none of the images were cited. They should have been in order to remain compliant with copyright law.

Class Web Site

Here's the link to my class web site:

https://sites.google.com/site/tanyabbiology/home

I answered the questions for our IPT class on the "announcements" page under AP Biology.

I customized my site with a sleek color scheme, a picasa slide show of photos relevant to my subject matter, a separate "Resources" tab under which I included a couple sites that may be helpful to students, and a YouTube video of the central dogma (a key concept in Biology).

Lastly, the calendars I embedded will pop up on October (since that's our current month). However, I filled in dates from the start of school (at the end of August) to the end of September. So, you just need to go back a month or two to see those postings.