Web Applications

Today in class we explored different web applications that we can use in our classrooms. They all were lots of fun, and can be applied to many different parts of the curriculum. One that I liked a lot for science, is Phun (Algodoo). It is a very fun program that allows you to work with simple machines, and understanding about applying force to objects. This covers Science 3rd Grade Standard 3. It is also a very "phun" way about understanding physics and how thing respond when you change gravity, or other factors. If I used this in my class, I would explain a bit about the different things that we are going to use, such as pulley's, springs, and what gravity does to objects. Then we would explore using this web application.

For math, I would use Masses and Springs. This application is really useful, because it is an accurate discription of the differences in weights, and how it affects how far the spring will stretch. In my class, they could measure and record how far each differnt weight goes, and also record what changes there are when you change a factor. This web application would cover Math 4th Grade Standard 4 Objective 1.

I really liked (and spent most of my time) on Colonial Williamsburg Kid's Zone. This web application is very helpful because you get to see all the details of what life was like in colonial times. There are lots of games, and they all were pretty fun. I know that it would be a place where kids would like to go to learn as they are having fun. This activity could cover the curriculum for 5th Grade social studies, standard 1 Objective 1. In my classroom, we would talk about the everyday life of early colonists, and then use this web application as an assesment, to determine how much they remember.