Photosynthesis...Photosynthesis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqEDz2vfhpQ
carbon dioxide + water =light energy=> glucose + oxygen
6CO2 + 6H2O =light energy=> C6H12O6 + 6O2
For this post, I wanted to take some time to highlight a project of my classmates in the blue cohort that chose photosynthesis as a topic for their Connections Across Disciplines assignment for EDUC 504 (Teaching with Technology). I can imagine that students will really enjoy the use of Spongebob Squarepants to grab their attention (I sure did) in teaching a concept as important as photosynthesis. My colleagues (Katie, Anthony, and Lourdes) who all have STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines, were able to link their content areas together by using the process that plants use to convert light into food. This process involves chemical reactions that involve math, and are important in biology...what a perfect fit!
The image of the popular cartoon character Spongebob acting in the same way that a plant releases oxygen is memorable and accurate. It is also quite simple, which I think makes it brilliant. This could be used with students to create a fun learning environment. It was quite easy for me to find the link to a YouTube clip using my computer. Students or teachers can easily access these images from the internet using their own devices (computer, cell phone, tablet) and incorporate them into notes or powerpoint presentations.
There are also many internet resources and websites devoted to explaining photosynthesis, which provide plenty of support for both students trying to learn the material as well as teachers trying to develop lesson plans. This material could be a good way to introduce a laboratory experiment as well; there are many biology lab experiments that can involve plant growth and development. Connecting an image like Spongebob that is so easily recognizable to a process as abstract as photosynthesis is a great way to make science and math real and relatable to students.
Hi Jessica!
ReplyDeleteGreat photosynthesis picture. Like you, I was very impressed by this example of connecting across the disciplines. I felt that each STEM discipline was well incorporated into their lesson. A comfortable, fun learning environment is essential for students in any classroom, and Katie, Anthony and Lulu did a great job including this. In addition, I found the connection through Spongebob to students' own lives quite useful in making the material more meaningful and relatable. Through the internet, videos such as this one can be an awesome way to hook students into almost any lesson, as well as drawing on their background knowledge/preexisting schemas. By building on something the students can conceptualize, it is more likely that they will retain what they are learning.
Can you think of videos/intriguing ways to interest students to draw more interest in the material in your own discipline, or ways to make content more meaningful to your students?
Hi Jessica,
ReplyDeleteI cant agree with you more on this. I also feel connecting with students via fun characters that they recognize and enjoy is so important. Already science has has a reputation of being a serious and not connecting with all kind of a topic. It will greatly benefit if fun could be added to science through these characters. Some time back my kid got a book from the library on Physics explained through the eyes of Manga character .. she was so thrilled to read about Newton's laws just because her favorite Manga character was talking about it.
Like the title of my blog says," Knowledge is power and ethusiasm pulls the switch" - it is oh so important to add that enthusiasm for learning in the class. What more can be better then making kids laugh a bit and gaining their trust and love before we touch serious stuff.