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Designing a Learning Experience to Integrate Digital Device

 Science is an excellent content area to integrate technology into the classroom.  If a school has reliable internet access, the ability to access web based learning platforms through the use of student laptops allows educators to significantly enhance student learning experiences with authentic, real life applications of core content area. Many science educators are familiar with PhET Interactive Simulations created by the University of Colorado with simulations for physics, chemistry, math, earth science and biology content areas. PhET Resources Fewer are familiar with applications designed and maintained by the federal government, including NOAA and NASA.  These web based platforms offer exceptional access to current data the government is collecting in a variety of areas. In an environmental science class, NOAA resources could be used to both instruct and provide visualization for standards.  For example, standard ENV.ES.2 Atmosphere, atmospheric properties and currents, NOAA has t

Blog Post #2

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 Technology I cannot live without....my  My first laptop was heavy, weighing in at around 10 pounds and considering today's laptops, large.  When purchasing a laptop, you had to choose a type of drive.  The connectivity was limited, including the ability to print, attach your camera, transfer files between devices and use external devices like a scanner.  At that time, I couldn't imagine only having a laptop (or less than 5 necessary cords!).  Still, it felt like a wonderful freedom to be able to carry some of your work around with you, especially when traveling.   Fast forward to 2022...my only work computer at my school is a laptop!  Not only are laptops indispensable, but they are able to deploy all the technologies used in this course and required for my job.  I have very much enjoyed this class and thus far, the two activities I have derived the most value from are the assistive technology/Google Chrome Extensions and the flipped classroom/video.  Specifically for the exte

Astronomy

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Welcome Bishop Watterson Astronomy students!  My name is Laura Manns and I will be supporting your learning this academic year during your scheduled class period and also will be providing labs, thereby enriching your learning experience and providing context for your study of astronomy. I am relatively new to the Columbus area, having relocated in August of 2020.  I have four children, with my eldest beginning graduate school in violin performance and my youngest commencing 4th grade. I love both science and children!  I earned my Bachelor's of Science from Xavier University, a Masters of Environmental Management from Duke University and am currently completing a Bachelor's Plus program for Integrated Science, grades 7-12 to include college physics through Ashland University.  I love to learn and am an active board member of the Ohio Wetlands Association.  My children and I enjoy visiting both state and national parks. This is an incredibly exciting time to be studying Astrono