Take a deep breath. Click on “Hibernate”. And step away from the computer. Now go out and app your app. Practically apply that tech tool you just discovered. The sugar high won’t last for long before the twitter buzz of the next shiny new webapp grabs your attention.
Wikipedia defines technology as the usage of tools and how it affects a species’ ability to control and adapt to its environment. If you’ve ever walked into a crowded Starbucks you know the only person actually interacting with the environment is the one asking for their quad no foam venti white hot chocolate mocha.
Our ability to enhance critical thinking through inquiry based learning hinges on our environment. This includes the observation and recording of data and then interpreting that data to formulate reasonable conclusions regarding that particular environment. If you’re teaching classes or working as a camp counselor this season then this BP is for you.
Summer’s here!..the perfect opportunity for you and your iKid(s) to explore, devices in hand. Head over to the New York Botanical Garden and skip the Children’s Adventure area. Go right to the map and plan a full day of taxonomy, taking pics with a cell cam and texting notes on native habitats. Can they classify primary pollination vectors such as wind, insects or water? Use Wikipedia as a resource.
Physics Day may have passed at Six Flags but that doesn’t mean you can’t turn a sojourn into a scientific extravaganza. Look for details here on parameters for the 2009 roller coaster building contest. Have them collaborate via Skype and Google Docs for preliminary data analysis. Once at the park estimate heights using tape measures and protractors. Capture various coasters’ time cycles with a stopwatch. Have them taking turns holding the camcorder then transpose those vids to YouTube. Play/pause for ratio scaling. Inquire at your local Great Adventure for group/student discounts.
All this rain making you nervous? Yeah me too. We all know it’s global warming that’s increasing the level of atmospheric moisture. Break the cycle of self-destruction by taking a young group to the Bronx Zoo’s Live Green exhibit. They can offer their perspectives in a full on Jing/ webcam presentation so we don’t one day wind up like WaterWorld.
Call your local university for a site visit to a basic research lab. What better way to apply technology than to see how we actually apply technology. Kids really appreciate this “real world” experience. University hospitals are even better. You’re iKid ever actually see real DNA? They’ll never forget it.
Still not sure where to begin? Consult your PLN . Make use of the incredible amount of resources at FT4T and ICTIMC for the best tech tools this side of the web. Refine your ideas then refine them some more.
Still nothing planned for your kids this summer? Man you really need some inspiration. OK time to break out the big guns. Watch this Rocky IV training montage. There. Your future Nobel prizer winner awaits.
