PaulWeb2.0


 * **Lesson description within Unit ** || **Tool Used ** || **Embedded Exemplar of Tool ** || **How this tool changes learning in a way that isn't possible without technology ** ||
 * Heat and Thermodynamics

This jigsaw activity divides the class in thirds, assigning each third a different chapter in the unit.

The three chapters are:

Temperature, Heat and Specific Heat Thermodynamics Gas Laws

Each group is responsible for teaching the other groups their assigned chapter. The first part of the lesson is for them to read their chapter, while taking notes that they will then share with and present to the other groups. || Google Docs || media type="custom" key="26915182" || Using Google Docs for note-taking, composition or writing letters has many advantages over traditional teaching methods and other standard word processors.

This unit on heat, thermodynamics, and gas laws has always been a jigsaw activity that I assign. It typically falls in the middle of the year, and is difficult and full of math, so enhancing it with web 2.0 apps both increases understanding while also making it more entertaining.

Google Docs is valuable for not only creating files, but sharing them as well. In conjunction with Google Drive, files are easy to access anywhere and save and share with others from any location. ||
 * The second step in the jigsaw activity for this unit is for the groups to present the information that is in their chapter to the other groups. Students are to use a presentation software such as Prezi to organize their chapter notes and present to the other groups. || Prezi || media type="prezi" key="r3gpad5bqgag" width="550" height="400" || Having their information presented on Prezi not only makes it more presentable, but also teaches the students how to use this specific slideshow software. Students that are comfortable creating powerpoints can add this tool to their toolbox options.

Prezi helps make the information more visible, and is wonderful for thought and concept customization and organization. ||
 * The third piece to this unit lesson is to have each group find a virtual lab that allows for testing a number of variables in a setting that is designed specifically for the concepts that are introduced in our chapters. There are a variety of virtual labs to choose from, and the number of virtual labs is increasing as both high schools and universities are realizing the cost savings that can occur by reducing lab equipment costs. || Phet Interactive Simulations || media type="custom" key="26915044" || Virtual labs are here to stay. They are also becoming better and more varied in their use. They can be designed for specific experiments that may be costly or deemed not worthy of purchase due to cost effectiveness.

Virtual labs allow for variable manipulation and an easy restart and retest, without requiring more time for starting over like in a real lab.

Recent studies show that test scores are higher for students that learn with virtual labs rather than in traditional lab classes. ||
 * The fourth and final Web tool for this unit is a jeopardy labs review of thermodynamics that I created. Students can take their information and create their own jeopardy board. This can be a whole class review of the material, making it both fun and competitive way to prepare for the exam over the unit. || Jeopardy Labs || media type="custom" key="26924658" || Gamification of content is the best way to keep kids interested in learning content that might otherwise be considered boring or too technical to hold interest or attention.

The healthy competition that is created by a gaming environment is a fun way for students to embrace their education and stay motivated to learn. ||