GET HOOKED ON REAL- WORLD SCIENCE TIMMI SHAWLER Science Teacher GILMER HIGH SCHOOL

Current state of things…

What we will learn today  How to use Skype in the classroom to connect students with scientists & students world wide  How to use Case Studies & PRS to connect science concepts to the “real world”

Our students….  Spend a lot of time using technology to “network”  Let’s use this in the classroom

What is Skype?  A free & easy way to network with others world-wide  An internet-based telephone & video conferencing system  An under-utilized resource in the classroom

Equipment Needed  Computer  Speakers  Microphone  Many systems have all of these in one!  If you are feeling frisky…Webcam

The Download  Go to  Here you can watch a short tutorial & download  Easy and quick download…be ready to go in about 2 minutes

How can I use Skype  Guest speakers  Live discussions between classes world-wide  Share science demos with an elementary class  Help other students with English and science  Students interview others  Collaborative projects……

Finding other “Skypers”…    skypeinschools.pbworks.com ( under experiences ) skypeinschools.pbworks.com   (virtual scientist guest lectures)  Search the net, look for scientists with Skype addresses

Tips and Such…  Find a friend or family member on Skype and do a trial run with students first…try to work out all the “bugs”  Get other members of faculty involved  Several “extras” to download but be careful…only use Skype Certified  Takes some time to set up Skype so give yourself some lead time

Tips and Such…  Be flexible, technology is great when it works  Be very aware of time zones  Don’t spend a ton of money on technology  Might need to get Skype unblocked &/or get administrative permission

What students say…  What do I need to learn this for…who really does this stuff?  Students learn better when material is related to real life

A Solution  Teaching with Case Studies  3 EXAMPLES I HAVE USED  Life- The Final Frontier: Case Study on The Characteristics of Life  Case of the Cross Dressing Salmon  Case of the Killer Lake

Your one stop shop…  National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science  U. Buffalo Case Study Index U. Buffalo Case Study Index

Tips and Such…  BE PREPARED  Make sure case is age & level appropriate  Many cases are fully-editable PowerPoints  If case has handouts, make sure you have them copied  Read teacher notes & have key ready for reference if needed

PRS – Clicker Cases  If you have PRS available,  Download or have the software downloaded on your system  Have technology specialist give you a “quick & dirty” overview if needed  In Microsoft PowerPoint (2007 & 2010), use “Add-Ins” – Go to slide with questions & click on “new question,” adjust, & you are ready to go!

A special thanks!  I hope you learned something today!  Please share with others!  Have a great day!