Using Twitter in Science and Math Class
Posted by David R. Wetzel, Ph.D.
Teachers work in the solitude of their classrooms, interrupted with occasional chances to talk with other teachers during the day. Twitter is an online technological tool which can break down the rigid classroom schedule barriers and allow teachers and students to collaborate.
Twitter has evolved into something beyond a trendy technology tool, avoiding the worry many teachers have about getting caught in a new flash-in-the-pan idea.
Strategy for Using Twitter in Math Class
Collecting Data for Geometric Analysis
- Students collect information from students located in other schools regarding the dimensions of their classroom, desks, number of students, and other objects in the room which take up floor space.
- Then students develop geometric representations of these classrooms, to determine which classroom has the greatest and least amount of square footage per student.
- Students then share their results with all participants.
Strategy for Using Twitter in Science Class
Where in the World are You?
- Introduce your class to the features of Google Earth by asking your Twitter network for a small amount of location specific information.
- Challenge your class to find the teachers who have replied with location information.
- Try to gather some evidence that you have found them – name on football field, distinct shape of building, or other features to prove they have been found.
- Reply with this information.
- Use different Google Earth layers of information to help with the search.
Allows students to have a concrete experience with the power of Twitter & Google Earth for finding information.
Resources
Using Twitter to Break Down Classroom Isolation
Science Investigations Using Google Earth
Middle School Google Earth Projects
Twitter Group – Math Teachers (one of many to select from)
Twitter Group – Science Teachers (one of many to select from)
