Posted by David Wetzel
Using the iPod Touch in the Classroom
There are many electronic tools for teaching and learning math and science in schools; however, the iPod Touch offers the opportunity for “Learning-in-Hand.”
These management and technical issues include how to name the iPods, recharging , syncing, accessories, play-lists, transferring apps, iTunes account, and many more.
Like all technology tools, classroom management is always an issue. Here are a few recommended ” Dos” tailored for a classroom set of iPod Touches.
Management for Success
The following are dos are designed to ensure smooth and effective classroom management.
Secure Storage - security is the key to using them for a long time. Unfortunately schools have become the target for theft of electronic devices, this problem requires serious consideration.
Syncing - ensures that all iPod Touches have the same software and supporting applications. This leads to the important fact that all iPods being used should be synced using the same computer to avoid any differences which may occur between computers.
Names - each iPod Touch should have its own unique name. Examples are - Science 01, Algebra 01, General Math 01, Physical Science 01, etc. Why is this important? When syncing each iPod Touch with a computer it will be easier to ensure each iPod is loaded with the correct software and applications.
Ear-buds - each iPod Touch should have an Ear-bud for listening during interaction with science or math applications. Sanitizing after or before use procedures should be in place. Sanitizing wipes are always a good thing to place on a list when parents ask what can they donate to the classroom.
Web Clips - both Safari and Leopard operating systems provide the ability to select websites or selected pages of websites which can be added to each iPod. This short cut allows students to visit supporting websites without the need to type in a URL.
Recharging - recharging ipods is always an issue. There are several products on the market for recharging a classroom set of iPods. The following is recommended based size of classroom set:
- 20 iPods - Economical choice is the ParaSync, which uses original Apple iPod connectors for docking iPods.
- 20 iPods - Apple/Bretford Case houses iPods in foam lined case for storage and charging.
- 40 iPods - Apple/Bretford Cart which has wheels for portability between classrooms and has foam lined storage when charging.
Play-lists - these are categories in which all applications should be loaded. The purpose of these play-lists is to make it easier for students to find the appropriate application needed for a specific lesson. Play-lists can be labeled as General Information, Period 1, Period 2, Math Club, Science Club, etc.
iTunes Account - load iTunes on the same computer used to sync the iPods. Having the iTunes account on one specific computer ensures the identification and password are located only on this computer. More than one computer with this information increases the opportunity for unauthorized access.
Consequences - this is an unfortunate factor which must always be considered when using technological tools with students. Student contracts, signed by students and parents are typically effective.
Sometimes I would use a digital flip camera mounted on a tripod and projected on a screen or whiteboard to watch students. I would start by showing specific aspects of the lesson on the screen using the camera. After the lesson started, I would adjust the view of the camera to the general direct of trouble some students. This served as an effective deterrent.
Free Math and Science iPod Touch Resources
10 Science iPod Touch Applications for the Classroom
10 Math Applications for the iPod Touch
Times Tables - provides several learning tools including a simple 6×6 grid of math multiplication facts, flash cards, an apple orchard demonstrating multiplication, sequential and random drill modes, and score tracking for multiple players (iTunes).
Science Quiz - provides quizzes for the following areas Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Zoology, Earth Science, Inventions, and Space Science (iTunes).
101 Science - challenges students in grades 5 - 8 with questions about Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, and General Science (iTunes).
Polar Sweep - reinforces relationships between rectangular coordinates, polar coordinates, and basic trigonometry with a dynamic educational interface. Students can sweep through the circle to see changing values and helpful diagrams of right triangles for common angles (iTunes).
Posted by David Wetzel
Science iPod Touch Apps
Science applications (Apps) for iPod Touch offer students and teachers excellent tools to help students spend more time learning science content in class and laboratory situations.
Although many Science Apps are loaded with ads and other distracting information, I have found several that are free of ads.
iPod Touch Science Apps
LabTimer - this is a count-up and count-down multi-timer with the following features:
- Four timers, individually configurable as count-up or alarming count-down
- Large display and buttons
- Display in Hours : Minutes : Seconds (limit above 1000 hours)
- Customizable text labels for each timer
- Small icons describing the state of all timers
- Disables iPod sleep, keeping your timer running and visible
ExoPlanet - a database of extrasolar planets. It contains details of all detected exo-planets as well as their host stars.
Students can easily search through the database and view pictures of the host star, visualizations of the planet’s orbits.
Correlation diagrams of various planet properties can be created on the fly.
Worlds Apart - a model of the solar system. Hand tuned for performance and realism, it uses hardware accelerated 3D graphics to give you a higher detailed, smoother and more accurate view of our planetary neighborhood. Prepare for a very different view of the planets than from any ordinary hand held planetarium.
USGS Seismic - this application parses an RSS feed from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) that provides data on recent earthquakes around the world.
It displays the location, date, and magnitude of each earthquake, along with a color-coded graphic that indicates the severity of the earthquake.
NASA - this an official NASA App that invites to discover to discover a wealth of NASA information. The NASA App collects, customizes and delivers an extensive selection of dynamically updated information, images
iFormulas - is a clean, simple, easy to use mathematical formula application. Provides basics to survive your Algebra, Calculus, Geometry or Trigonometry to support science investigations. It does not give you answers but provides an easy navigational guide.
Science Glossary - this is an extensive glossary of scientific terms and short biographies of key scientists. All definitions link to related terms and detailed science learning modules.
LabCal - this Laboratory Calculator is an utility to calculate the molarity, to convert gram and mole and to compute dilutions of stock solutions.
Promega - this App provides lots of great information for life science, including quick access to molecular biology calculators, technical tips, protocols, and multimedia presentations.
The calculators provide a range of functions essential to molecular biology experiments, including DNA and protein conversions, melting temperature, molarity and dilution calculations.
Topics include basic amplification techniques to real-time PCR, from simple cell-based assays to complex imaging techniques, and from protein expression to more involved protein interactions assays. Multimedia elements can also be easily accessed via a separate menu.
Features include:
- DNA, Protein, Tm, and Dilution Calculators
- Step-by-step protocols
- Illustrations and example data
- Extensive background information
- Animated movies demonstrating key techniques and cellular events
Mild EleMints - is an interactive Periodic Table. It offers a Periodic Table, a Plot Graph, Element listing, Electron Diagram, and a wealth of information on every element.
Features include:
- The Periodic Table can be shaded according to a particular property, and zoomed to get more information at a time.
- The table will rotate itself for both Portrait and Landscape orientations.
- Mild EleMints only supports the following properties: Classification, Electronegativity, and Physical State.
Resource
All of these Science Apps are available free from iTunes.
Related Information
Readers may aslo be interested in 10 Math Applications for the iPod Touch
Posted by David Wetzel
iPod Touch Math Apps
Math applications (apps) for iPod Touch offer teachers an excellent way to help focus students in math classes.
Although many Math Apps are loaded with ads and other distracting information, I have found several that are ad free.
Math iPod Touch Apps
Math Tutor Lite - (free) offers a better and fun way for students to learn their math skills. Starts with simple math operations and progresses through math operations that are challenging.
ePuzzle - (free) is a classic handheld number problem solving game where the objective is to place the number blocks in the numerical order by sliding them around the game board. Features include:
- Three different levels of games.
- Maintains scores for the best timings and the number of moves.
- Supports different colors scheme for the game board.
ArithmeTick - Math Flashcards - (free) the objective is to solve as many problems as possible before time runs out. Students are awarded up to 10 points and additional time for each correct answer. Offers four difficulty levels and is perfect for math review.
Graphing Calculator - ($0.99) this app an iPod touch into an intuitive high-resolution function plotter and scientific calculator. Features include the following:
- Includes a powerful, yet easy to use scientific calculator.
- Quickly plot and trace multiple equations on the same graph.
- Custom keyboard to speed up entering in equations.
- Pinch to zoom and drag/slide for scrolling the graph in real time.
- The graph view supports portrait and landscape modes.
- Take screen shots, and e-mail graphs to yourself.
- Evaluate your graphs at any x value using the calculator screen.
- Find the exact (x,y) coordinates for roots and intersections using the trace mode.
- Supports graphing polar and parametric equations.
- Currently supports the following functions: log, log2, log10, ln, exp, sin, cos, tan, asin, acos, atan, sinh, cosh, tanh, degrees to radians, radians to degrees, absolute value, square root, ceiling, floor and mod.
iFormulas - (free) a clean, simple, easy to use mathematical formula application. Provides basics to survive your Algebra, Calculus, Geometry or Trigonometry class.
It does not give answers, but provides an easy navigational guide. Over 330 different formulas, definitions, laws, properties, etc.
Pi Cubed Lite - (free) a visual math application designed from the ground up for a touch-based interface. Unlike traditional calculators, Pi Cubed lets students construct mathematical expressions, using an interactive menu system, which are then typeset and evaluated instantly.
The use of the entire screen, combined with the capability to lay out equations as they would be written on a piece of paper, makes even complex calculations easy to follow.
Common touch gestures, like pinch-zooming and touch-based panning, enhance the entry and editing process.
A diverse range of mathematical operations are supported, including logarithms, trigonometric functions, arbitrary roots, exponents, and factorials.
Number Line - (free) helps students learn about fractions, decimals, and percents by ordering equivalent fractions, decimals, and percents on a number line.
The app features multiple levels where the player must drag circles with either a percent, decimal or fraction onto a number line in the correct sequence.
Fraction Factory - (free) students use their math skills to place fractions into their correct positions on a number line.
Fraction Factory is designed to enhance the student’s ability to find and order equivalent fractions and decimals on a number line. In addition, Fraction Factory targets fraction computation.
Freddy Fraction - (free) is an alien who needs student help! He was exploring a strange, foreign planet when he realized he couldn’t remember where he parked his spaceship…Freddy is lost! Help Freddy find his way back home safely using fractions, decimals, and percentages to lead him back to his spaceship!
Basic Math - (free) uses a drill-and-practice instructional strategy. Similar to memorization, such a strategy presents the tasks to be completed repetitively to build up the foundation skills for more meaningful learning in the future. The app is designed for students in grades 3 - 6.
Exercises cover basic mathematical skills like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
Resource
All are available on iTunes and look forward to others sharing math apps they find useful in the classroom.
Related Information
You may also be interested in 10 Science iPod Touch Applications for the Classroom
