There are so many available technologies to enhance the science classroom. These tools give students the experience of a hands-on approach to the study of science and reinforce 21st century skills.
Virtual Field Trips: Virtual field trips are an inexpensive alternative to travel and can be accessed through web conferencing or virtual tours. Students can visit through a computer screen museums, zoos, or more exotic locations--and most virtual trips are customizable to meet the needs of the class. Classes can also interact with students and educators from around the globe and learn about life in different parts of the world. Particular to science, students can explore different ecosystems or view real scientific research right from the classroom. There are a number of virtual field trips available, some examples include Tramline Virtual Trips, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Google Earth (virtual field trip to the moon), and Discovery Education's virtual field trip series
IPad/IPhone Apps: There are a number of applications at low or no cost that can supplement and enrich science instruction.
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CAST Science Writer: CAST Science Writer is an free online tool that guides students through the process of writing lab reports. The site offers features like checklists, prompts for sentence starters, support with scientific language, and a text-to-speech option. This tool will be useful for students reluctant to write lab reports and students learning the process and structure.