This document discusses the integration of technology into middle school science classrooms. It describes three tools: scribe blogging for student reflection, systems modeling software for creating and sharing computer models, and a research wiki for collaboration. Scribe blogging uses a school-wide blog for each student to summarize lessons. Systems modeling allows students to visualize systems through interactive models. The research wiki provides a shared space for group projects, where students and teachers can access work and materials. The presenters provide examples of how these tools have been used in classrooms to enhance learning.

1. From Integrated to Integral:Technology-Use in the Middle School Science Classroom Rachel Tourais & Patrick Woessner Mary Institute & St. Louis Country Day School 2/8/2010 1

2. Overview Introductions & Background Who we are MICDS culture Presentation wiki Technical Overview of Tools followed by Integration Examples: Scribe Blogs Systems Thinking/Computer Modeling Research Wiki 2/8/2010 Rachel Tourais & Patrick Woessner 2

3. Tech Overview: Scribe Blogging Scribe blogging = reflection & summarization Requires a class blog; every student is author We utilize WordPress MU Accounts generated from SIS Users authenticated Posts and comments moderated Privacy options School-wide tool reinforces implementation 2/8/2010 Rachel Tourais & Patrick Woessner 3

4. Integration: Scribe Blogging What is Scribe Blogging? Purpose Reflection Enhanced audience Participation Time commitment Scaffold introduction 2/8/2010 Rachel Tourais & Patrick Woessner 4

5. Tech Overview: Systems Modeling Models offer a practical way to visualize & communicate how systems and ideas work. STELLA models simulate dynamic systems and consist of stocks, flows, connectors, and converters. 2/8/2010 Rachel Tourais & Patrick Woessner 5

6. Tech Overview: Systems Modeling 2/8/2010 Rachel Tourais & Patrick Woessner 6

7. Tech Overview: Systems Modeling Models can be constructed using the full version of the cross-platform software A free player is available for viewing models Models can be published to the web using NetSim and manipulated via the browser 2/8/2010 Rachel Tourais & Patrick Woessner 7

8. Integration: Systems Modeling 2/8/2010 Rachel Tourais & Patrick Woessner 8 Modeling Infectious Diseases – SIR Model

9. Tech Overview: Research Wiki Research wiki = collaboration & transparency Requires a class wiki; every student is author We utilize Mediawiki Accounts generated from SIS Users authenticated Revisions tracked/controlled School-wide tool reinforces implementation 2/8/2010 Rachel Tourais & Patrick Woessner 9

10. Wiking the Research Process Project: Human Impact on Evolution Project “hub” – all project materials in one place Student collaboration Teacher-access to process Other technology benefits Finding media Evaluating media Enhanced-audience through U-Stream 2/8/2010 Rachel Tourais & Patrick Woessner 10

11. Questions or Comments Session Wiki with Additional Information Rachel Tourais: rtourais@micds.org Patrick Woessner: pwoessner@micds.org 2/8/2010 Rachel Tourais & Patrick Woessner 11