Little Known Ways to Integrate Wikis in Science Class

Posted by David Wetzel

Wiki pages are always a work in progress. The wiki is like a dynamic online science classroom which continually grows and changes.

Applications for the use of Wikis in science classrooms is only limited by the creativeness of the teacher in support science teaching and student earning.

Teaching Strategies with Wikis

The following are examples of how teachers can use wikis in science classes:

Simulations and Animations - these can be used by students during investigations or review. One example: pH Scale

Interactive White Board - screen shots from class discussions on topic for students to review later.

Podcasts - both audio and video podcasts for students to use for review or use during investigations. One example: Physical Science

Wordles - post a teacher or student created Wordle of a specific chapter, unit, or investigation. One example: Nature of Science

Resources - providing links to Delicious or Digg resources for students to read or use in science projects.

Images - a set of Flickr images for use when teaching specific concepts, a picture is always worth a thousand words. One example: Marine Biology

Projects - a copy of current science projects for students (and parents) to read and review, along with the project rubric. One example: Investigating Earthquakes

Class Notes - post an overview of daily lessons for students who missed class and review. One example: Density Power Point (works well with Google Docs and VoiceThread)

Lab Report - a copy of your standard lab investigation report.

Science Fair - guidelines are provided for the school’s science fair. One example: Science Fair

Science Safety Rules - include a copy of student safety contract, lab safety rules, and internet use contract (if required by school).

Learning Strategies with Wikis

Wikis promote learning network by creating a community of experts. The following are examples of students can use wikis in science class:

Glossary of Scientific Terms - Example: students develop an interactive glossary for defining physical science terms throughout the entire school year.

Taxonomy – a student developed identification, naming, and classification of living things during their life science or biology course. Example: students develop the taxonomy of specific plants using definitions and images.

Investigations – student groups report on experimental designs and submit investigation reports to their teacher. Example: students collaborate in the investigation of the mystery, why honey bees are are disappearing.

Visual Arts – students groups can collaborate in research to find web-based resources which describe scientific processes using works of art. Example: students upload images or animals, plants, or nature of science.