ThingLink for Science

http://www.thinglink.com/scene/249317071928688641?buttonSource=galleryPage

ThingLink is a powerful new web2 tool that originally was developed for business. If you hover over the image you'll see a number of resources that have been attached by the creator of this particular ThingLink. This ThingLink however was not created by me and therefore, you'll need to visit the web address at the top of this post. You can, however, upload the Thinglink program to your blog or website enabling you to embed your creations. I've done this with one of my other blogs - Book Cloud - if you'd like to see how it might work. Alternatively, simply supply your students with the link for the Thinglink you'd like to feature.

Here's another science example: The Many Parts of the Neuron

If you'd like to learn how to use ThingLink in the classroom, come and talk to me in the ISC or book a time where I can introduce this new web 2 tool to your department.

Free Rice website now has subjects other than English vocabulary

http://freerice.com/category

You are probably very familair with the philanthropic 'Free Rice' website which donates rice according to the number of vocabulary words you get right but did you know that the website also offers other subjects. As you can see above there are a number of categories which could be used as extension, homework tasks or revision in some cases. You might even decide to set a test based on the website.  It's a whole lot of fun, I've tried it and enjoyed it thoroughly.

YouTube as a Science resource

YouTube has a great deal more to offer than simply 'Jackass'-type stunts, home movies and student projects. More often these days it is the first place to go for free, entertaining and accurate resources. Take the following six clips that I've embedded as examples. They are a small number of what is available when you surf for a particular topic. 

COSMOS Teacher's Notes FREE

The latest edition of COSMOS Teacher's Notes (VIC/TAS) is now available online.

 

This edition of Teacher's Notes complements COSMOS #44 - Rethinking Energy.

 

To view, print or download the latest edition as well as the archives, you can access Teacher's Notes at any time or place via: http://teachersnotes.victas.realviewdigital.com/.

National: Critical thinking competition

Can you come up with an argument to convince Australia’s Chief Scientist?

TechNyou is running a critical thinking competition for those aged 14 and up. To enter, make a video arguing for or against one of the given topics, which include nuclear power, nanotechnology and genetically modified crops.

Entries close 1 May 2012. More information can be found on the competition website.