Teacher PLD

Digital tools for science learning

In this recorded professional learning session, Stephen Ross, facilitator with Te Whai Toi Tangata, and Greta Dromgool will introduce you to easy-to-use digital tools that can engage your students in real-time data collection.

We will show you how you and your students can develop and answer their own science questions using tools such as Arduino Science Journal (free) and Micro:bit to record and present data. We will share tips for using the tools in the classroom as well as engaging activities that will kick start great science learning.

Thanks – another amazing workshop!

Teacher

As part of the webinar Stephen will show you how learning activities that use digital tools can support the integration of the science and digital curriculums. The Nature of Science strands Investigating in science and Communicating in science are particularly well-supported by these tools and provide opportunities for students to demonstrate several of the science capabilities.

This session is valuable for both primary and secondary educators.

Digital tools for science learning

This is an edited recording of the webinar Digital tools for science learning.

Rights: The University of Waikato Te Whare Wananga o Waikato

Thank you. Awesome. Enjoyed the session.

Participant from Canada

Digital tools for science learning – slideshow

This slideshow, from the webinar Digital tools for science learning, provides additional support for the video tutorial.

Rights: The University of Waikato Te Whare Wananga o Waikato

You can download the video and slideshow presentation.

Topic

Slideshow number(s)

Video timecode

Introducing the Science Learning Hub and presenters

1

00:00

Purpose and index

2–3

00:27

What do we mean by digital tools?

6–8

04:54

New Zealand curriculum links

9–14

09:32

Arduino Science Journal

15–18

16:50

Micro:bit

19–23

29:41

Overview

24–25

39:09

Links, keep in touch and thanks

26–27

47:07

Related content

Kiwrious Science Experience – fostering NoS in the classroom is a Curious Minds-funded project that enables students to use sensors to collect, analyse and interpret data.

In the Connected article Lighting the sky with Raspberry Pi discover how students created a digital light display for Matariki using Raspberry Pi computers.

The article Artificial intelligence provides simple explanations and examples of AI, machine learning and more.

Data is a complex concept. The articles Data about data and Data and how we use it encourage students to think about data gleaned from online sources.

Kiwi Kai is a browser-based virtual farm that explores the relationships between healthy environments, kai, people and communities. It is supported by articles that unpack science concepts, te ao Māori and food production, enduring competencies and key terms.

In Gaming for learning discover more on how games and simulations can help us think differently about learning and see some more examples of what teachers and students are doing with games in the classroom.

Check out our Gaming and virtual learning – Pinterest board.

Activity ideas

The activities below use micro:bits and also one that uses Raspberry Pi:

Useful links

For more information about micro:bit and its capabilities, see the Micro:bit home page and introductory activities page. The online micro:bit community features a huge range of resources for educators to explore.

The Micro:bit page has various STEM activities you can use or modify.

Find out more about the simple to use and easy to get started with the free Arduino Science Journal App. Install the Arduino Science Journal app for iOs systems and for Android devices.

Acknowledgement

Published:22 November 2022