Research and Rationale
Science is more than just a body of isolated facts from the fields of life,
physical and earth sciences. A conceptual understanding of the relationship
among and between those facts is necessary to fully understand the power of
science. Inherent in science is inquiry — wondering why and engaging in
the processes of science to find an answer to that question. Science can also
be viewed as a way of knowing. It provides a way to observe, study and explain
our universe. Technology — which includes all tools designed by humans
— exists because humans are constantly trying to solve problems, discover
new things, and in general follow their curiosity about the world.
This module provides a model for creating technology-rich, standards-based, and
student-centered science lessons. The inquiry approach to the student
activities is based on the theory of constructivism, which recognizes that the
experiences the students bring to a learning episode are critical to the
meaning they construct from it. Constructivist teaching builds on the student's
prior experiences, corrects for misunderstandings from previous learning, and
brings students to proper concept formation through well-structured, open-ended
student inquiry. The motivation behind using technology to help the students
learn science concepts is based on the research of Ediger, who found that
applying technology in the classroom can "provide a purpose for learning; can
attach meaning to an ongoing lesson; provide opportunities to perceive
knowledge as being related, not isolated bits; allow for individual student
differences; and it can impact student attitudes toward learning."