Podcasting in Science and Math Classes

Podcasting Tools

A podcast is a way of publishing audio files on the Internet. With a podcast users do not have to check a web site for new episodes.

They can subscribe (via an RSS feed) and receive new episodes automatically. A video podcast, or vodcast, is a podcast that uses video.

An enhanced podcast is an audio podcast that has pictures associated with it, like a slideshow.

Required Equipment

Many people belief that you must have an iPod or other MP3 player to listen to Podcasts; however, the you can use any of the following:

• Palm handheld computers
• Windows Mobile handheld computers
• MP3 players (include iPods and others)
• Desktop and laptop computers
• Cell phones

How are Podcasts Relevant to Science or Math Education

The following are strategies for using Podcasts in science and math:

• Students create podcasts of their science or math projects that they embed in multimedia presentations or interactive posters using a website such as Glogster.
• A class can take a virtual field trip to a zoo, rain forest, museum, of other locations to support curriculum.
• Students are determining the properties of an unknown substance and recording notes using a digital audio recorder, MP3 player, or a computer. This allows students to capture thoughts and observations in real time that can be used to supplement notes.
• For any experiment that involves sound (examining how the length of a vibrating string affects pitch, for instance), using digital audio recording improves the quality of observation.
• Use science or mathematics in everyday life.
• Overview this day in mathematics history.




• Create a sports news show or sportscaster voice-over, exploring statistics or the mathematics of the physical laws governing the sport.
• Students discuss the impact of mathematics on society, or how the history of mathematics has shaped human history.
• Post a monthly puzzler or a brain teaser as an audio recording. Students have to listen carefully to the words and vocabulary used to figure it out.

Sample Podcasts

Science on the Wildside

Science and nature features, news, and humorous educational songs to listen and learn by.

Examples include:

• Salute to Dragonflies - time 4:35
• Salute to Gray wolves - time 4:27

Scientific American -

Examples include:

• 60 Second Science - Tune in every weekday for quick reports and commentaries on the world of science– it’ll just take a minute!
• 60 Second Earth - Tune in every Sunday for quick reports on the science of the environment and the future of energy. It’ll just take a minute!

The Video Math Tutor - Tips for Students - a series of video podcasts that provides students with a number of tips to help them along with their math classes. These will be most helpful for those from 7th grade through college.

Examples include:

• Study Tips
• Textbook Tips

You can also go to the iTunes stores and do a search, under podcasts, for science or math. The podcasts are free.

For example:

Science Education Podcasts - right hand column

Math Education Podcasts - first and second column

Podcasts can be created as an alternative to digital media such as videos, voice, or images. Student-created podcasts provide a good digital medium for student expression of concepts, projects, and related themes.