Today we are going to be covering classroom simulations (ooooh, aaahh). Using technology and simulations in the classroom is a great way for us as teachers to really get students involved in more non-traditional ways. So without further adieu, lets get started
1) Minecraft education
1) Minecraft education
_If you have never heard of Minecraft, then you have probably been living under a rock for the past few years. At its core Minecraft is a great game, but the creators of this game have gone out of their way to create educational tools for use in this simulation. Minecraft education can be used for many applications; architecture, coding, electricity & circuits, farming techniques and the list goes on. There are so many ways to use Minecraft in the classroom and you should really look into it.
2)Plate Tectonics
2)Plate Tectonics
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Plate tectonics can be a tricky thing to demonstrate in school. Now, I am all for bringing in giant tubs of soil to demonstrate that, but there has got to be a simpler way to show students how to get these big plates to move; and in comes some people over in Colorado for the win. This simulation lets students simulate any plate tectonics interaction you could think of, from the formation of hotspots to new mountain ranges, this tool takes a topic that can be difficult for students to grasp and hits a great homerun. So if you are tired of carrying around truck loads of soil, this is the site for you
3)Google Sky
Plate tectonics can be a tricky thing to demonstrate in school. Now, I am all for bringing in giant tubs of soil to demonstrate that, but there has got to be a simpler way to show students how to get these big plates to move; and in comes some people over in Colorado for the win. This simulation lets students simulate any plate tectonics interaction you could think of, from the formation of hotspots to new mountain ranges, this tool takes a topic that can be difficult for students to grasp and hits a great homerun. So if you are tired of carrying around truck loads of soil, this is the site for you
3)Google Sky
Who hasn't wondered what it would be like to zoom through deep space on your very own starship. Unfortunately this is not guardians of the galaxy.
Well this leaves us with the only other option. Google Sky. This sim tool allows students to get a look at many places in the galaxy in their very own galactic Google Earth. The applications for this in the classroom are wonderful for engaging students to explore space in something besides stationary pictures. Everyone learns differently and this will cover much more than a simple textbook ever could.
4) Molecular Workbench
4) Molecular Workbench
Now this last simulation is not a single simulation. Instead Molecular Workbench is an insanely amazing simulation tool that includes thousands of simulations that any teacher can use. There are simulations that take you inside the cell to see how organelles work up close. You can choose compounds and see how each atom individually bonds to the other; and the list goes on and on from science to non-science. This is a tool that every teacher should know about because it will be applicable no matter what subject you want to teach!
Now go out and make your classroom a more engaging environment for student learning with the use of some great simulations. As always follow me on twitter @mrihrig00 and my linked in account
Now go out and make your classroom a more engaging environment for student learning with the use of some great simulations. As always follow me on twitter @mrihrig00 and my linked in account
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-ihrig-1a4303114