How has the world changed?

During this week, our year 8 students have been immersed in one single topic that is basically “Why is the world worth saving”. They were shown some excerpts from the video “The day the earth stood still” and then told that aliens were looking at the Earth and expect that, after a week’s notice,  humans will be able to argue on behalf of their world.

They have been looking at all sorts of things, things that they are passionate about. Many are looking at how we have developed in the areas of technology, medicine. There arguements have been that on the wholoe we keep learning and trying to improve things. It is enlightning to see how optimistic they are although they can also see the results of pollution, environmental changes, climate changes etc. Yesterday they were sorting out the big statements and questions and today they were starting to do the research to support there arguments. I was looking around and came across GapMinder.

In the video below, Hans Rosling  demonstrates GapMinder, a tool that can even make statistics look beautiful.  The content for this brief video is the change in the life expectancy & income throughout the world in the last two centuries. You can have a look for yourself by going to the the tool here.

I always love the way we can “use” statistics to support our arguments and GapMinder looks like an interesting tool. The trends described through the tool here are certainly useful to provoke thought.

Hans Rosling has also presented TED talks. Have a look at the TED talk where Hans Rosling, with insightful data backed by his spectacular charts, shows how some pre-conceived notions and grand generalizations (about the Third World countries, in this case) can be sharply in contrast with the facts.

phET : learn about science by using simulations

The phET site has brilliantly constructed, interactive, research-based simulations of physical phenomena and is designed by the PhET (Physics Education Technology) project at the University of Colorado.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These simulations are aimed at helping the learners with the understanding of some difficult science concepts. The simulations can be used online but can also be downloaded for offline use. This is probably the best option for use in classrooms. The simulations have attractive graphics and real time data can produced by the user. The site relies on formative assessment, with the user being able to repeat the simulation many time over. Note: if they do manage to set the equipment on fire at least it is only virtually!

Although the main purpose of the site is to develop an increased understanding of physics concepts, at all levels, topics in chemistry, maths earth science and biology have also been added.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One example in Earth Science.

This allows you to play with options to see just how greenhouse gases affect climate.

This could be used in our science and our geography classes. The English classes have even had this as the basis for a debate. the simulation allows the students to get a much greater understanding of the topic.

Another great aspect of the site is that the simulations offer teachers teaching ideas (around this and related topics), sample learning goals and some offer teachers guides for using the simulation. Teachers are encouraged share how they have used the simulations by upload their ideas and activities.

Another site that is certainly worth a look.