Middle level ICT Integration

1st June 2024

Middle Level ICT of ICT Integration

In todays session , we were taught about using of PhET simulation. I have never used it before. However, after exploring about it, I found it as a very useful tool when it comes to teaching and learning.

Firstly let me explain about the PhET.  It was founded in 2002 by Nobel Laureate Carl Wieman. PhET began with Wieman's vision to improve the way science is taught and learned. PhET provides fun, free, interactive, research-based science and mathematics simulations.

We have done a class activity using PhEt simulation which was very interesting. It was based on science subject. We were asked to construct a simple circuit by changing the number of wires, bulbs and battery. Then we were asked to measure the voltage and current when there is increase in the number of wires, bulbs and battery. Here are the pictures of the circuits that I have constructed using PHet simulation.

After doing this activity, I found PhET simulation very effective when it comes to teaching and learning all the concepts. I wanted to teach my students using PhET simulation so that they can visually understand the concept and make learning more effective.

Some of the advantages that we have discussed under the PhET simulation are;

• Interactive: Students can directly manipulate variables and observe the effects in real-time, fostering a deeper understanding of concepts.
• Accessible: PhET simulations are free, web-based, and require minimal setup, making them ideal for remote learning or individual exploration.
• Engaging: The interactive nature and colorful graphics can make learning more fun and motivating for students. more over, it also spark interest and curiosity among students, making the learning process more engaging and meaningful.
• Safe: Students can experiment without risk of injury or damaging materials as we don't have to do experiments physically.
• Varied Difficulty: Many PhET simulations offer adjustable difficulty levels, catering to students with different needs.
• Data Collection & Analysis: Some simulations allow students to collect and analyze data directly within the simulation environment.

Additionally, these simulations have been found to be effective in improving student learning outcomes, as evidenced by increased test scores and concept understanding.

It can be used as a substitute for laboratory practices, especially in situations where traditional hands-on experiments are not feasible.

 

Comparison between PhET and Traditional simulation

In traditional stimulation, Students gain practical experience by manipulating real objects and observing real-world phenomena whereas PhET stimulation is web based which does not require any hand on learning. PhET simulations excel in visualization. Animations and clear interfaces help students visualize abstract concepts and scientific processes. This is particularly helpful for introducing new ideas and sparking curiosity. The interactive nature of PhET simulations encourages students to explore independently, fostering a sense of discovery learning whereas traditional simulations, labs can be limited in terms of visualization, and some phenomena might be too dangerous or expensive to replicate in a classroom setting. PhET simulations are a highly accessible and cost-effective learning tool. Most simulations are free and web-based, requiring minimal setup. This makes them a valuable resource for schools with limited budgets or physical lab space. However, traditional simulation can be expensive to set up and maintain, requiring dedicated space, equipment, and qualified personnel.

PhET simulation offers a safe learning environment as experiments are conducted virtually. However, traditional simulation may require safety precautions and supervision for certain experiments.

 Here is a detailed lesson plan which I have created using PhET simulation

5-Step Lesson Plan: Comparing Numbers 

Subject: Mathematics Topic: Comparing Numbers

Strength: 32 Time: 40 Minutes

Class: III

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the lesson, the child will be able to;

• Students will be able to use the vocabulary "greater than," "less than," and "equal to" to compare numbers up to 10.
• Students will be able to identify the greater and lesser number using manipulatives and visual aids.
• Students will be able to record comparisons using the symbols "<", ">", and "=".

Materials:

• Large number cards (0-10)
• Counters (beans, cubes, etc.)
• Worksheet with blank comparison symbols ("<", ">", "=")
• Power point presentation

Opening (5 minutes)

• Warm-up: Play a quick counting game. Have students count together to 10 or sing a counting song.
• Introduce vocabulary: Show two objects (pencils, erasers) and ask students which one they have "more of" or "less of." Introduce the words "greater than," "less than," and "equal to" in simple terms. Make use gestures like holding your hands up high for "greater than" and low for "less than."

Introduction to New Material (10 minutes)

• Manipulatives: Show two large number cards (e.g., 3 and 7). Ask students which number has "more" counters. Use manipulatives to demonstrate the difference in quantity.
• Comparison symbols: Introduce the comparison symbols "<", ">", and "=". Explain that ">" means "greater than," "<" means "less than," and "=" means "equal to." I will be using PHet simulation to explain the concepts. 

Guided Practice (5 minutes)

• Practice with cards: Show different number card combinations and have students hold up the correct symbol together (e.g., 4 > 2). Encourage students to explain their reasoning (e.g., "4 has more counters than 2")

Independent Practice (5 minutes)

• Worksheet: Distribute a worksheet with blank comparison symbols. Show two number cards and ask students to write the appropriate symbol between them. Students can draw pictures representing "greater than" or "less than" next to each other.

Extended learning activity (5 minutes)

• For students who need more support: Provide additional practice with manipulatives or use a smaller number range.
• For advanced students: Challenge them to compare numbers with a larger range (up to 15) or introduce word problems involving comparisons.

Follow up

• Observe students' participation in class activities and discussions.
• Review completed worksheets or drawings.

Closure (10 minutes)

• Review vocabulary: Briefly review the meaning of "greater than," "less than," and "equal to."
• Play a game: Play a quick game where students stand up if they hear a number "greater than 5" and sit down for "less than 5."
• Summarize: Briefly summarize the lesson and remind students that they can use comparison words and symbols to compare numbers.