I currently teach in a school that is in its 4th year of a 1 to 1 iPad initiative. However, we are currently waiting for the iPads to be deployed to all of the students. I think it is important during these few weeks that I model lessons that allow the kids to use my iPad and infuse 21st century skills into the lessons. Today I used the Diet Coke and Mentos experiment as a way of unpacking the scientific method. Then we went outside and filmed the experiment with the iPad. Also, to show my students that I don’t take myself too seriously I let them post the footage to my You Tube Channel.
When we returned to the classroom the students imported the experimental video footage into Explain Everything. Then they made a group screencast. Each student added a verbal or an audio annotation describing how the Diet Coke and Mentos demonstration helped them understand the scientific method. The choice to record and/or write in the screencast was based upon learner preference. Also, this activity reflects the Common Core emphasis on speaking, listening, and relates to the following science Common Core Standard
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.11-12.7
Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., quantitative data, video, multimedia) in order to address a question or solve a problem.
Hip-hip hurray for iPads and 21st century skills.
mrspepedotcom 