Free Tools to Support the Science and Math Connection

Caroline started off, “The Lesson in Action I read focused on a Grade 5 class engaged in a science unit. The learning objective was for students to graph data on the coordinate plane and use the graph to analyze the data. The teacher introduced different graphing tools to create a data visualization: Shodor Interactive Scatter Plots(opens in a new window) and Desmos Graphing Calculator(opens in a new window)”.

“I’d like to check out other graphing tools. The more tools I know about, the better I am able to match tools to the abilities and needs of my struggling students,” said Michael.

Arayle, quickly checking the PowerUp blogs, held up her tablet to show them a blog titled, “Graphing and Charting Tools to Meet Diverse Student Needs(opens in a new window).” “I’ll email the link to you.”

Before the meeting ended, Michael made a request, “Next time, let’s explore ways to link math and science concepts using ‘real life’ examples.” Everyone agreed.

Standing at the interactive whiteboard with his colleagues gathered around, Michael navigated to the Tech Matters blog, “Perspective from the Field: What is the value of virtual field trips(opens in a new window)?”

Arayle asked Michael to click on the link to “Ten of the best virtual field trips(opens in a new window).”

Using their tablets, each teacher further explored the treasure trove of field trips that could easily link math and science.

Caroline gravitated to Polar Huskies(opens in a new window). “Look, here are powerful sled dogs crossing the Artic. There’s also ways my students can learn about research projects that explore natural and social sciences. My kids will love this,” she told the others.

The website, “Take a Virtual Field Trip to the Moon(opens in a new window),” caught Michael’s attention. “We are just about to start a unit on astrology. How cool is this? I can even use the moon tracking chart they provide.”

Arayle added, “That’s great for your 4th graders. Here’s something a bit more sophisticated for my 6th graders, “Solar System Math(opens in a new window).”

It’s a series of lessons focusing on measurement, unit conversion, ratio and proportion, scale, data analysis, and data representation. It’s perfect.”

“Next time, let’s dig deeper into evidence-based math practices that are particularly relevant to using these online resources science with our struggling students,” suggested Caroline.

Each of the members of our PLC team had reviewed the Teaching Strategy for a different math practice:

• Arayle: Organizing(opens in a new window)
• Caroline: Modeling(opens in a new window)
• Michael: Visual Representations(opens in a new window)

When Arayle convened the meeting, the three teachers had much to share about tech tools and practices. They hey began to laugh when all three wanted to talk about the short video, “Virtual Manipulatives(opens in a new window)” since they had all found that so helpful in thinking about inquiry-based, hands-on science and math.

“With the end of the school year quickly approaching, this is our last meeting until the fall,” Michael reminded the group. ‘Let’s continue exploring PowerUp over the summer and email each other with ideas for good teaching and tech tools.”