Journal 9

Mader, Jared (2009).Science + technology = creativity (and fun!). Learning & Leading with Technology, August 2009, 30-31.

Science + Technology = Creativity (and Fun!)

This article addresses the use of technology in the subject areas of science and math. I never really thought that science was lacking in technology but I suppose it could be at the highschool and lower levels. In college though, technology dominates the science scene especially in labs, just like the article mentions, the use of newer and better probes or lab equipment allows the scientist to observe and speculate on the date retrieved more than the retrieval process.

What is an example of technology in science outside of the lab?

In my biochem class we used VMD to visualize proteins on the screen from files that we downloaded from a protein database. We were able to interactively view it, alter its colors, view specific properties and it I learned so much more from it than when we did protein lab work.

What is another idea for a creative science project?

For an at home project, I grew snowflakes in one of my college chemistry courses. Since I had to use dry-ice it might be better to do this project in class but it does take over an hour so class length may be restrictive. Students can take pictures or actually videotape the entire process and create an iMovie that shows the process happening and also describes the science behind it. The better the technology used, the more detailed and intricate the snowflakes show up as.