PhET Sims

Hello All, 

I imagine the PhET website has been reviewed ad nauseam.  I have been waiting for some time to share my enthusiasm over this resource.  PhET offers various interactive science simulations.  My interest there has primarily been chemistry; the other branches of science are well represented along with math.  One can search the simulations by subject and grade level.  Once a simulation has been selected a list of lesson ideas can be found below the simulation.  There are options for running the simulations either directly using the website or downloading to another device.  Under the teacher tab, educators have access to past workshop materials regarding how to integrate the simulations into teaching. Another exciting feature of this site is the materials can be translated using the PhET Translation Utility for another possible way to reach students where language is a potential barrier. The only down side I see here is that the simulations do not work with or do not work well with Ipad, Android, or tablets.  Most of the simulations require the use of a keyboard and/or mouse.  See the embedded Salts and Solubility simulation below if you are curious to see a sample of what the site has to offer.

Enjoy playing,

Mrs. A

Click to Run

Fun with Strawberries

Hello All,

Strawberries are in season and it is time for some summer fun!  There are many great resources online for strawberry DNA extraction.  Strawberries are easy to work with and offer plentiful DNA yields.  Students’ having a visible model to work with makes it easier to introduce certain genetic concepts.  I recommend Science Buddies: Do-it-Yourself DNA.  The setup is friendly to those that have more of a kitchen chemistry setting in their classroom.  Science Buddies is also a great site for science fair project reference and ideas. 

If you prefer a site with a thorough lesson plan written out to span 7^th-12^th grade, view the ucbiotech.org education resource Strawberry DNA Extraction.  It contains references to the National Education Science Standards from 1996.  Steve Spangler Science also offers a procedure video with access to the written online experiment, Strawberry DNA – Food Science.  The Steve Spangler Science site is an outstanding resource for the science classroom when searching for hands-on activities.

From here, you may want to search for DNA extraction explanation videos.  It may be interesting to experiment with other fruits or vegetables such as onion, banana, or kiwi.  This may also be a good time for students to isolate their own DNA from cheek cells or other skin cells.  In the summer, I'm partial to strawberries.

Happy extracting,

Mrs. A

Lab Safety Training

Hello all,

The Laboratory Safety Institute (LSI) and BioRAFT are offering a free lab safety webinar on June 25 from 1-2PM EDT with James Kaufmann, PhD presenting.  View the link for more information on topics to be covered.

The use of Flinn Safety Contracts and tests are popular in school districts around this area.  Flinn offers free online high school and middle school laboratory safety courses with a certificate option.  The site includes other safety related courses and PD opportunities as well.

Stay safe!

Mrs. A