Culminating Project: Integrating Technology
By Lauren Hale
Description of Project:
The “exhilarating” pedagogy will integrate the tablet technology to teach children
science in combination with fun and interactive apps on the iPad. My definition of exhilarating
pedagogy is a teaching method that invigorates and excites the learner to become passionate
about the topic being taught. This creates an environment in which the learner is intrinsically
engaged in the subject area, therefore will develop a deeper learning motivation and
knowledge about the subject matter. Through structured iPad based science lessons, I will
effectively reinforce the areas needed in order to learn scientific methods based on the NY
State Standards.
The iPad lessons will be conducted on an individual basis or in groups. Children will
spend a portion of the lesson utilizing particular apps on the iPad and a portion of the lesson
applying the skill with a “hands on” application. Each child will proceed through the curriculum
at his or her own individualized pace, for true differentiation. When a child understands a skill
they will move to the next level. The gifted learners will be provided enrichment, while students
that do not understand the skills will be re-taught until they are mastered. In addition, each
child will create his or her own original masterpieces. Children’s creativity will soar and the only
limits will be their imagination. The beauty of the incorporation of art is that “fringe educational
learning” will occur every step of the way.
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Assessment reports will be generated after each session, therefore creating a data-rich
environment in which decisions on instruction and learning can be monitored real time.
Learning interventions for those that are struggling can also be implemented promptly. Data
will be analyzed through an individual, as well as classroom, lens.
Project goals:
The project goals are to develop structured tablet technology (iPad) based science lessons for
grade 3 students. The project will be aligned to the Grade 3 NY State standards.
Project objectives:
1. To find fun and exciting science apps that align to the grade 3 New York State Standards
in order to engage students in STEM based learning.
2. To create hands on inquiry-based lessons where children can apply and reinforce the
skills learned from the science based apps.
3. To differentiate instruction so that students can learn at their own level.
This project is aligned to the following New York State Standards and will address the
following Third Grade Science Standards:
NY.4. The Physical Setting: Students will understand and apply scientific concepts,
principles, and theories pertaining to the physical setting and living environment and
recognize the historical development of ideas in science.
4.1. The Earth and celestial phenomena can be described by principles of relative
motion and perspective.
4.1.1. Students describe patterns of daily, monthly, and seasonal changes in their
environment. 41
4.2. Many of the phenomena that we observe on Earth involve interactions among
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components of air, water, and land.
4.2.1. Students describe the relationships among air, water, and land on Earth. 43
4.3. Matter is made up of particles whose properties determine the observable
characteristics of matter and its reactivity.
4.3.1. Students observe and describe properties of materials using appropriate tools. 4
4.3.2. Students describe chemical and physical changes, including changes in states of
matter.
The Science Inquiry Process:
I.
II.
III.
IV.
Hypothesis, Observations, Questions
Scientific Investigation, Modeling and Testing
Analysis and Evaluation
Conclusions
Technology I will integrate in this project:

I will integrate the iPad tablet technology and apps into this project.

The video BrainPop/Latitude & Longitude:
http://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/geography/latitudeandlongitude/

Science Bob at http://www.sciencebob.com/experiments/volcano.php
Lesson 1 – Volcanoes (Two day lesson)
Objectives:
1. Students will be able to identify longitude and latitude to locate the major volcanoes
around the world.
2. Students will be able to analyze and plot of the graph to conceal “The Ring of Fire”
Materials:

iPad App: Britannica Kids – Volcanoes
o The Britannica Kids – Volcanoes app provides interactive ways to learn about the
world’s major volcanoes and their eruptions. In addition, students will review
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characteristics of a volcano including lava and magma, types of volcanoes, birth
of an island, plate tectonics and eruptions.

The video BrainPop/Latitude & Longitude.
http://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/geography/latitudeandlongitude/

Information sheet: http://geography.about.com/cs/latitudelongitude/a/latlong.htm

Ring of Fire Connect the Dots:
http://looseinthelabscience.com/downloads/PacificRingofFire.2010.pdf

Colored pencils

Data/map

Vocabulary words: latitude, longitude, equator, prime meridian, international date line,
plate tectonics, eruptions lava and magma.
Procedures:
1. Have students touch the Britannica Kids- Volcanoes App on the iPad.
a. Allow students time to explore the interactive app and learn about the world’s
major volcanoes and their eruptions, lava, plate tectonics.
2. Direct students to the world map and figure out (with a simple tap) how far away they
are from the nearest volcano.
a. Rove from student to student asking probing questions.
3. Pass out a map of the world’s major volcanoes and their locations.
4. On the iPad have students watch the video BrainPop/Latitude & Longitude:
a. http://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/geography/latitudeandlongitude/
5. Conduct a question and answer session on latitude and longitude.
a. Using a globe have students identify: latitude lines, longitude lines, equator,
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prime meridian and international date line.
6. Model for students how to plot the volcano, Mt. Kilauea in Hawaii, using latitude and
longitude.
a. Review and pass out the information sheet on latitude and longitude and major
volcanoes locations.
i. http://geography.about.com/cs/latitudelongitude/a/latlong.htm
7. In groups of two have students locate all of the volcanoes, and connect the dots, to
conceal the Ring of Fire.
a. Ring of Fire Connect the Dots:
http://looseinthelabscience.com/downloads/PacificRingofFire.2010.pdf
b. Higher Order Thinking Questions:
i. Come up with a theory as to why volcanoes formed a ring-like shape.
ii. Name three of the world’s major volcanoes
iii. Plot their location on a graph.
Assessment: Progress on iPad, longitude, latitude and ring of fire graphs.
Lesson Two – Volcanoes
1. Students will be able to analyze the process required for a volcano to erupt.
2. Students will create their own volcano, label it, and describe the reaction.
Materials:

iPad App: Britannica Kids- volcanoes

Background information sheet: What is a volcano? How do volcanoes erupt?
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
Science Bob at http://www.sciencebob.com/experiments/volcano.php
o Watch the Science Bob video on the iPad.

Clay, use a mound of dirt.

A container that 35mm film comes in or similar size container.

Red and yellow food coloring (optional)

Vinegar

Liquid dish washing soap

Question and Answer Lab Report.
Procedures:
1. Have everyone read the background information sheet: What is a volcano? How do
volcanoes erupt?
a. Conduct a short answer and question session.
2. Have students touch the Britannica Kids- volcanoes app on the iPad. Direct students to
the interactive volcano puzzle.
a. Have them take apart and put back together the volcano.
b. Make sure all students go to the section where the volcano erupts.
c. Rove from student to student asking probing questions.
3. Review the Science Bob procedures and read the informational text on the iPad.
a. Have students watch the Science Bob video on how to make a volcano.
b. http://www.sciencebob.com/experiments/volcano.php
4. Have students in small groups, conduct an experiment and create their own volcano and
make sure to label the parts.
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a. Use Science Bob at http://www.sciencebob.com/experiments/volcano.php
b. Have students write down, answer and discuss the Higher Order Thinking
Questions on a lab report:

How does vinegar temperature affect how fast the volcano erupts?

Why does the shape of the volcano affect the direction the eruption
travels?

What can be added to the "lava" to slow it down and make it more like
real lava?

What combination of vinegar and baking soda creates the biggest
eruption?
5. Have each group present their volcano presentations and demonstrations to the class.
Assessment: Progress on iPad, question and answer sheet, volcano presentations and
demonstrations. Parents will also be e-mailed with a weekly progress report card.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of the integrated technology:
I will evaluate the effectiveness of the technology integration through classroom
application student success and responses. I taught the above lessons in a third grade Science
class and the students loved them. They especially liked the volcano app and then making the
“hands-on” erupting volcano. The students responded that they would like more time on the
iPads, therefore I used the iPad Science apps as a reward for good behavior. This project
reinforced that students were “exhilarated” to learn on the iPad technology, which kept them
engaged and motivated. The student achievement of knowledge learned was higher than my
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normal average for this class. I will definitely create more lessons utilizing the iPad.
I think that the 3rd Grade Science Reading Comprehension by Abitalk is a must. It
contains twenty passages, each with two to three paragraphs (250-400 words). Reading
Comprehension is tested with three different quiz types (Multiple Choice, Yes and No, and
Vocabulary Match). The subject passages are interesting and contain non-fiction informational
text (this aligns with Common Core). Topics include: Phases of The Moon, The Digestive
System, Tropical Rainforests and Energy. Teachers have the ability to create their own lessons,
add multiple users, get reports and connect with a drop box. It is an excellent tool to develop
reading, vocabulary and comprehension skills with science content.
Science Apps That I Recommend:
1. 3rd Grade Science Reading Comprehension by Abitalk- 3rd Grade Science Reading
Comprehension contains twenty passages, each with two to three paragraphs (250-400
words). Reading Comprehension is tested with three different quiz types (Multiple
Choice, Yes and No, and Vocabulary Match). The subject passages are interesting and
contain non-fiction informational text (this aligns with Common Core). Topics include:
Phases of The Moon, The Digestive System, Tropical Rainforests and Energy.You have
the ability to create your own lessons, add multiple users, get reports and connect with
a drop box. Excellent to develop reading, vocabulary and comprehension skills with
science content.
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2. Britannica Kids- Volcanoes App: students can explore this interactive app and learn
about the world’s major volcanoes and their eruptions, lava, plate tectonics. Direct
students to the world map and figure out (with a simple tap) how far away they are
from the nearest volcano. There are also jigsaw puzzles of volcanoes, as well as a
simulated eruption of Pompeii. Students can find fossils from the eruption, as well.
Other Britannica Kids apps include: Rainforest, Dinosaurs, Snakes, and the Solar System
3. Star Walk App: Star Walk will identify and locate stars, constellations and satellites. You
can also use the app’s Time Machine to see what the sky will look like in the future (or
how the sky appeared in the past). Picture of the Day shows amazing images from outer
space, and a search function helps you locate stars, constellations or planets.
4. Seismograph: No earthquake is required to make use of the Seismograph app, which
measures everything around you that vibrates, shakes or moves. You can even jump up
and down while holding your iPad to measure the vibrations generated from your
movement.
5. Frog Dissection: is an engaging educational app that parents, students, and teachers will
all appreciate for the variety and depth of informative materials and activities it offers.
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6. Sid’s Science Fair: Based on the PBS show “Sid the Science Kid,” Sid’s Science Fair offers
children the opportunity to explore science concepts through observation,
identification, classification, and sequencing.
7. MyBirdsOfPreyHD: My Birds of Prey HD is an app that teaches about birds, animals, and
nature. It provides both entertainment and learning opportunities.
8. Monster Physics App- lets students build their own virtual machines, from cars to rocket
ships, using parts including wheels, wings, propellers, magnets, rockets and claws. Kids
learn physics by building and refining their inventions and completing missions.
9. Brainpop Jr. - app targeted for K-3rd graders. Short movie topics include science, health,
social studies, and even technology. Students can answer questions and take quizzes on
the information.
10. Leafsnap- budding botanists can identify plants by taking a picture of their leaves.
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