chemistry Archives

Online resources to make science engaging

88: Online Resources to make Science Engaging

In this episode, show sponsor, FundaFunda‘s science teachers share some of their favorite online resources to make science more engaging.

Heather Fulghum (Ecology and Earth Science teacher) mentions these resources

For Water Quality – virtualbiologylab.org
Jeopardy labs
Pokemon go lab – listen for the explanation!

Dr. Dana Underwood (Biology 1 and Biology 2 teacher) has these suggestions

allow kids a choice for projects (they’ve done scratch/python, stop-motion animation, and more traditional things like powerpoint)
use animations for complicated molecular things
use online articles for current topics or more in-depth things
find Scientific American type articles and videos from PBS, etc.

Dr. Kristin Moon (Chemistry teacher) mentions these resources

Free simulations at teachchemistry.org, especially
- the measuring volume simulation
- the isotopes and calculating average atomic mass simulation
- the simulation that guides kids into determining whether an ionic or covalent bond will form between two elements
- one that allows students to visualize periodic trends in the periodic table
A titration simulation

Until 30 June 2020, you can get $10 off any of FundaFunda Academy‘s science classes with the coupon mentioned during this episode.

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Virtual Labs

77: Virtual Labs with Dr Kristin Moon

Our guest is Dr Kristin Moon from Kristin Moon Science . You can find her on Facebook too.

Dr. Moon teaches Chemistry for show sponsor FundaFunda Academy and Biology at True North Homeschool Academy.

Be sure to listen to our other interview with her where she talks about PHET Simulations.

Virtual Biology Labs

Expandable Mind is the website Kristin refers to

3 virtual labs from their site that she mentions:

1. eMind Frog: virtual frog dissection lab (and 4 additional mini-labs).

You can use their demo page to get a feel for what it’s like to use the virtual lab.

It costs $5.99/family for a single license (giving you 12-month access)

2. eMind Animalcules and Other Cells: virtual microscopy lab

So many cool specimens to view using their virtual microscope.

Once again, you can use the demo and get some of the features:

3. eMind Fly: virtual genetics lab

This virtual lab makes genetics come alive as students virtually “breed” fruit flies. They predict the results using a Punnett Square, breed the flies, observe the progeny and note the outcome, and analyze their results.

Find the demo site here.

It costs $5.99/family for a single license (giving you 12-month access) but is a freebie that comes with any purchase.

Worth noting: You can buy access to ALL of the virtual labs eMind has to offer (including the frog, a cat, a fetal pig, invertebrates (including earthworm, squid, crayfish, and sea star), and fish ( including the lamprey, the dogfish, and the yellow perch) for $19.99 (for an individual license).

Additionally, if you are buying for a class or co-op, there are volume discounts.

Virtual Chemistry Labs

Chem Collective is the resource Kristin talks about.

There are many virtual labs your students can perform on this site, all related to chemistry. These are all free.

Examples of some of the labs:

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If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review!