Identifying+Similarities+&+Differences

= Identifying Similarities and Differences =

= Technology 1: Inspiration Software =

(image from @http://www.inspiration.com/blog/

=Rationale:= ====Inspiration software allows students and teachers to create graphic organizers, concept maps, webs, process flows, Venn Diagrams, and other ways of visually organizing and classifying information. Words and objects are easily moved as students edit their work and expand their knowledge and theories. Unlike a hand written graphic organizer, Inspiration allows students to use images, pictures, and even multimedia to present their knowledge.==== = = =Resources:=

Computer
= Technology 2: ProScope HR =

(image from @http://technabob.com/blog/2006/10/10/you-too-can-be-a-crime-scene-investigator/)

=Rationale:= ====ProScope HR is a high resolution handheld microscope. It is similar to a traditional microscope, but it does not require the collection of tiny samples and the creation of slides. The Proscope HR can be used to collect still images, video, and time lapses of objects at up to 1000X what can be seen by the human eye. It can even be attached to a microscope or telescope to record images from those devices. The ProScope can be used with online communication programs like Skype in order to show others what you are viewing live, which makes it a great device to use with distance education or even online collaboration between classrooms. The website has a little over 20 lessons and experiments provided by ProScope and Apple. Many of these lessons involve gathering data and determining similarities and differences in order to solve a problem. As one example, students are asked to identify why certain socks prevented hypothermia and frostbite during a snowstorm and requires students to use the ProScope to take 50X images of socks to compare their properties. In another experiment, students use the ProScope to compare animal and plant cell structure.==== = = =Resources:=

Computers
= = = Technology 3: Digital Camera = = =

(image from @http://admin.moguling.com/Upload/mp3playerchoices.com/canon%20digital%20camera.jpg)

=Rationale:= = = ====Using a digital camera to document items and events allows in depth study and comparison. Pictures allows one to observe change over time, such as the difference between a student at the beginning of the year versus the end of the year. It also allows one to compare two or more objects This is particularly useful for objects one cannot keep in the classrooms, such as landmarks, geological features, and artwork. Photographs allow one to observe small objects like insects by enlarging pictures using a zoom feature on a computer or via display on a projector or electronic white board. Nearly all digital cameras can take video as well, allowing students to make comparisons between events and movement, such as comparing the stride of a runner and a walker. Students can use the pictures to study many similarities and differences, such as how they have decorated their rooms at home, how a tree looks throughout the year, and weather patterns day-to-day.==== = = =Resources:=

Digital camera
=Education Challenge: Student Motivation= ====Motivating students can be a tough challenge when students have so many other distractions. Many of their distractions are technological, such as the internet, Ipods, and cell phones. Technology interests students and can be used to motivate them to focus on classroom assignments. The ProScope HR is a new and unique item that students will be curious to explore. It allows students to take control of learning by handling the device and using it to explore items in extreme detail in a way that was hard to do outside of a Science laboratory previously. The ProScope allows students to make real-world connections and provides for authentic learning experiences. Students may be excited to know that the ProScope is used by law enforcement in 23 countries to investigate crimes ranging from counterfeiting to fingerprint analysis to fire investigation. Classroom lessons can simulate these activities while meeting standards of learning.====