Tool Examples

What do we mean by "learning tools"? Below, we list the categories and description of what we mean by the term "learning tools". Contained within each description we have a link to an example for that category.

	Web Interactive (short) "learning tools" tend to be short, interactive lessons that cover one concept. The student, usually can adjust variables within that concept. We highlight an elementary example called Using Electricity (physical science), a middle school example called Build-A-Fish (life science), and a high/middle school example called Wave on a String (physical science).
	Web Interactive (long) are similar to the above learning tool, however these tend to cover the concepts in more depth and are longer in duration. These simulated labs have a real place in the learning environment. Not sure? Check out Sodaplay to see a wonderful example of a virtual lab.
	Web Visual (short) tend to be more informational, not interactive, and relatively short in duration.. What distinguishes the visual lesson is a strong sense of design, relevant content, and appropriate level. The example we have here is from the Center for Knee, Shoulder and Hip. You need shockwave to see the knee replacement operation.
	Web Visual (long)) are covered in more depth than the previous learning tool. In some examples it may be an entire web site. One of the best examples of the future web content is from the University of Arizona and the Institute of Human Origins called becominghuman.org. You'll need a fast connection and Flash to view.
	Sometimes an entire web site is so good and it fits so well with the concept that we are addressing we will recommend the entire web site. Innovative web design, compelling interactives, and a great story to tell make DNAi a very special web site. No matter what you want to learn about the DNA and the genetic revolution, there is something quality for you here. This site was developed by the Dolan DNA Leaning Center and Cold Spring Harbor Lab. A spectacular piece of work!
	Data and data sets are important learning tools for students. This "learning tool" is called the "Earth Observatory: Data & Images". Here you can explore data sets in a very visual way. Scroll your mouse over Atmosphere, Oceans, Land, Life on Earth, and Heat & Energy to see the specific variables you can choose. Select the variable and then build an animation to see it change over time. Quicktime required.
	Any new "learning tool" that allows science students to learn science concepts in a new way, or takes a classic scientific tool and reshapes it with today's technology. We feature two examples, the spectacular "learning tool" called the Web Enabled Virtual Microscopy and comes from Neuroinformatica. The other is called Digital Morphology and is a dynamic archive of information on digital morphology and high-resolution tomography of biological specimens. (Quicktime required)
	Having students work on real world problems, collect & examine data, and draw their own conclusions is at the heart of inquiry. Science as Inquiry (long) focuses on more than a one class project. A web based inquiry science environment is WISE: The Inquiry Based Inquiry Science Environment. For those that are cautious about internet information we provide a user name: Tim Jones and password: inquirytj1. Go to Projects.
	Having students work on real world problems, collect & examine data, and draw their own conclusions is at the heart of inquiry. Science as Inquiry (short) takes less than one class period to complete. The name of this clever "learning tool" is called Speed, Eggs and Slam. In this interactive lesson students find a way, through trial and error, to stop an egg from breaking in the back of a pick up truck. This is brought to us by the tremendous site called TryScience.
	This learning tools features any newer piece of hardware that allows students to engage in science. In recent years, both Vernier and Pasco have made real time data collection a breeze in science class. Both of these companies have been leaders in their field. Go to this link to see some free downloads that describe the process and hardware in various disciplines.
	This learning tool category refers to software that has been reviewed & approved by the learningscience.org editorial panel. Molecular Workbench Software is a great "learning tool" example. Molecular Workbench is free molecular modeling software for use in education. You must download the FREE software to use this tool. Developed by the Concord Consortium, a leader in science and math education.