Engaging Students in STEM: Innovative Tools to Captivate Learners
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Chapter 1: Keeping Students Interested
In today's educational landscape, teachers face stiff competition from countless apps, videos, and other distractions that can easily pull students' attention away. To combat this, we must continuously seek out innovative tools that can maintain student interest or, at the very least, keep them awake during lessons.
One remarkable resource is Gizmos, which features an array of interactive math and science simulations. These engaging visuals allow students to explore various topics interactively, making learning enjoyable. Additionally, you can access a portion of their impressive collection of over 500 gizmos for free on a rotating basis. For a more in-depth experience, educators can sign up for a complimentary month-long trial or test a gizmo for a five-minute period.
The first video showcases effective hooks to engage students in the classroom. It provides valuable insights into maintaining student interest during lessons.
Section 1.1: Creative Learning Experiences
Here are some noteworthy gizmos that can enhance your teaching:
Subsection 1.1.1: Investigating Weight on Other Planets
One fascinating gizmo allows students to explore the concepts of mass and weight by investigating how weight varies across different planets. Younger learners often find it captivating to learn that they would weigh less on the moon, sparking intriguing discussions.
Subsection 1.1.2: Understanding Ionic Bonds
For chemistry students struggling to visualize atomic bonding, this simulation offers a unique opportunity. It allows them to manipulate electrons and observe the bonding process as atoms either gain or lose electrons. There is also a related gizmo that focuses on covalent bonds.
Section 1.2: Virtual Gardening Experience
If you have students who are unfamiliar with gardening, this online simulation is an excellent solution. Rather than simply lecturing about how light, water, and soil conditions influence plant growth, students can conduct their own experiments and draw conclusions.
The second video highlights engaging methods for launching your classroom and ensuring student engagement through hands-on activities.
Subsection 1.2.1: Learning About Cell Respiration
This gizmo offers students a chance to apply their understanding of biological respiration in a creative scenario—saving a poisoned CIA agent! This simulation is part of a series called STEM cases, which present real-life challenges worth exploring.
Subsection 1.2.2: Math Through Chocolate Bars
Math educators need not feel overlooked, as there are plenty of gizmos tailored for them. One such tool helps students grasp multiplication and area concepts by allowing them to create their own chocolate bars. Be prepared for a classroom filled with eager students longing for a real treat afterward!
In conclusion, there is a diverse range of gizmos covering various topics, including those that introduce coding basics. Regardless of the specific STEM subject you teach, you are likely to find a gizmo that serves as an excellent lesson starter. Best of all, with access to free gizmos, there's nothing to lose!
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