One of the newest and greatest innovations continues to be video games. In the past, educational games have never quite met expectations, but with grants and contests such as this one, hopefully the games improve and students can learn something while playing video games.
Wow! This game is very informative and fun. I'm interested to see more games like this. There are way too many educational games that aren't enjoyable. This one hits the mark!
This looks like a great tool for kids today- especially considering how attached some kids are to games. Children need to know how they get sick and what is going on inside of them when they are sick.
One concern I have is that the game may be giving the message that all bacteria are bad and will make them sick. This is a common misconception that has led to the over use of antibiotics and hand sanitizer. Children should be taught that although some bacteria are pathogens, most are not, and they actually help other animals (ie. Humans) carry out every day functions. Bacteria ≠ Pathogen.
About four years ago, I went to a facility planners conference and they said the most improperly used space in the school is the library. It should not be filled with stacks of books, but it should look more like a media center where you have gaming centers, areas for public wi-fi access and a small section for books, but it would not be the dominant feature of the media center. It would also not close with the school, but be an area that would be open to the general public after hours.
We will probably not build another school in Spotsylvania in the next decade, but it will be interesting to see if divisions will be starting to convert what we currently see as a library into something else.
Thinkport is a product used in Maryland to help integrate technology in the classroom. The specific link that I am attaching is simulations of a multitude of subjects that could be incorporated into any lecture or free time that the student has. The topics covered vary from mathematics, an interactive art museum, anatomy, construction of different satellites, to literacy skills. It's goal is to increase technology use in the classroom regardless of the subject matter.
Cyber-Science 3D provides a fun learning experience for both teachers and students. Cyber Science 3D uses advanced animated computer models to bring science education to another level by providing a wide array of resources on science topics that can compliment science experiments.
Lesson on application of engineering techniques to understand biological systems - activities include analyzing DNA profiles of bank robbery suspects and 3D building of DNA
Students extend knowledge of skeletal system to biomedical engineering design, specifically the concept of artificial limbs. Associated activities include designing, creating, and testing lower leg prosthetic limbs and designing splints/casts.