Running Head: TECHNOLOGY IN MATH AND SCIENCE

Technology in Math and Science

Technology resource File
Sara Jacks
Daytona State College

Authors Note: This paper was prepared November 10, 2014 for EME3434 Integrating
Technology into Mathematics and Science for Dr. Tashana Howse.

TECHNOLOGY IN MATH AND SCIENCE

Abstract
This paper will discuss 10 different types of technology that can be used to enhance learning in a
math class, science class or both. This paper will describe each of these applications or
technologies, how they may enhance a math or science classroom. This paper will also explain
how each of these technologies may enhance learning for ESE and/or ELL students.

TECHNOLOGY IN MATH AND SCIENCE

Technology in Math and Science

Algebra touch
Algebra touch is an application which enables students to drag and drop items in order to
solve equations. This application engages students while they practice these difficult
mathematical concepts. For example items will not combine if they are not like terms, students
can quickly see if they take a step that is not going to help them solve the problem, without
having to redundantly write out every step (Algebra Touch on edshelf, 2014). I would use this
application in my future classroom, as a bell ringer in which students are asked to solve 4-5
problems, screen shot their solutions and send them to me. This app could enhance learning for
example, instead of providing my students with the generic steps to solve equations. I could had
them this application and ask them to develop their own generic steps for solving algebraic
equations. After dragging and dropping a few problems they will begging to see that they are
continually using the same ideas in a particular order, distribution, then combining like terms,
then isolating a variable. This particularly useful for autistic students it is not uncommon for
students on the autistic spectrum to not enjoy writing, this drag and drop method for solving
algebraic problems enables them to get the necessary practice of algebraic skills without ever
having to write down a thing.
Buzz math
Buzz math is a free iPad application in which students practice problems in a visually
stimulating and engaging way. Students can help famous mathematicians work out complex
problems, manipulate number lines and circle graphs (BuzzMath on edshelf, 2013). This
application providing much more than simple multiple choice or fill in the blank problems
requires students to view math problems in a different way and think critically about the

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problems they are presented. This application provides students with immediate feedback and
even allows students to reattempt problems they struggled with. It is also important to note that
this application is aligned with the common core state standards (BuzzMath on edshelf, 2013).
The use of the application can greatly enhance learning in a math class because teachers could
simply assign students sections to work on as homework or the teacher could simply use this
application to reinforce concepts for individual students. For example if a student struggles with
fractions even though they are in algebra two it may be helpful for them to work through the
fraction section of this application to review of reinforce their knowledge of fractions so they do
not continue to struggle with that concept. This application is also beneficial to ESE and ELL
students because it this application provides visual representations of most of the problems and
students can work at their own pace.
Kos Journey
Kos Journey is a math based game in which student have to solve problems in order for
their character to move forward throughout the game (Ko's Journey on edshelf, 2013). What is
most helpful about the game is that is enable the teacher to track their students progress. This
application could greatly enhance the learning experience students would be ecstatic for their
homework to be to make it to a certain point in the game as opposed to simply completing
problems from a work sheet. A benefit to this semester long game format is that students must
complete one step to move on to the next so they must master each concept before they can move
on. The only down side to this application is that it only aligns with the algebra 1 curriculum.
This application would be great for ESE students simply because it is so engaging they are also
having math presented to them in a new way, for example Luna teaches them how to find the
North Star by relating the sky to a Cartesian plane and the starts to points on that plane (ed shelf
video).

TECHNOLOGY IN MATH AND SCIENCE

Camera
The camera is a very simple tool that many people take for granted but it can be of great
use in both math and science classrooms. Cameras are inexpensive and most every student
already has access to one, but if a student des not a teacher could inexpensively aquaria a
disposable camera for any students in need. The camera can be used in a math classroom to
enhance learning for example a teacher could ask students to walk around the school and capture
images of parallel, perpendicular, and intersecting lines. The teacher could then print out these
images and ask the students to define these lines using transparent graph paper to assist them, the
students could then see real world applications to what they are learning. Similarly the camera
could enhance learning in a science classroom. The students could be asked to take random
pictures throughout the school and then be requested to point out as many elements as possible in
each picture. If a student took a picture of a wall they could get creative and list the elements that
also exist in the atmosphere, the students could then be asked to define the characteristics of each
of these elements. The camera could also be useful to students with special needs for example
they could take pictures of the notes written on the board as opposed to writing them down
elimination he risk of making mistakes while copying items form the board. ELL students could
benefit for using the camera by taking pictures of words of concepts they do not understand and
sending them to the teacher, the teacher could then during their planning hour find ways to
describe these items to their ELL student by finding translations or even visual representations in
order to help the student succeed.
Splashtop
Splashtop is an amazing application in which teachers can connect their iPads to their
computers and to their projectors. This enables the teacher to present what they are doing on
their iPad to the class no matter where they are in the room. The teacher could run an application

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through the iPad or connect to their laptop and run items on their desktop, this application also
enables the teacher to annotate over anything appearing on the screen (Splashtop Whiteboard on
edshelf, 2014). So if the teacher wants to run an application through their iPad then switch to a
PowerPoint presentation on their desktop and highlight items on that presentation they can do so
without ever having to go up to the board of their desk. This enables the teacher to circulate the
room and use proximity to control and engage their students. It is easy to imagine how this tool
can be effectively used to enhance learning in both math and science classrooms. This tool could
also be helpful for ESE and ELL students because the teacher could screenshot important notes
that have been on the board and send them to their students thus enabling their students to focus
on the concept instead of writing notes. Although this application is amazing it is quite
expensive at about $30 a year, but I believe the investment is well worth it.
Nearpod
Nearpod is an application that could be used in both math and science classrooms.
Nearpod allows the teacher to create a lesson plan that their students can then access on their
own personal iPads, the teacher has full control over the lesson enabling students to work at their
own pace or work together as a class by having all of the iPads on the same pages at the same
time (Nearpod on edshelf, 2014). The teacher can alternate for example the teacher could have
the classes iPads synced as he/she introduces a concept and then the teacher can allow the
students to work at their own pace. The teacher can even view how each student is doing through
their iPad. This tool could also be helpful for ESE and ELL students because it can enable them
to work at their own pace, and the teacher can easily track how their students are doing enabling
them to provide supplemental guidance or assistance to those whom are struggling.
Aurasma

TECHNOLOGY IN MATH AND SCIENCE

Aurasma is an application in which hidden videos and messages can be played by simply
holding a camera over the correct image (Aurasma on edshelf, 2013). This application can
greatly enhance learning because a teacher could hide educational videos within images
throughout the school. This could work similarly to a QR code search but instead the teacher
could ask the students to find geometric shapes or certain items that occur in nature. When the
student points the camera to the correct item a video can appear that will help them complete an
assignment or simply give them more information on the concept they are working on. This tool
would be great for ESE and ELL students because it is stimulating kinetic and educational
activity in which students can work at their own pace.
3D cell simulation and stain tool
The 3D cell simulation and stain tool is an application that can be downloaded on an iPad
which enables students to discover various types of cells. Students can view 3D cells and even
stain and look at cells under microscopes, giving them the complete experience of staining a cell
without the expensive materials and microscopes (3D Cell Simulation and Stain Tool on edshelf,
2014). This application could greatly enhance learning in a science classroom, a teacher could
simply assign students an activity to complete through this application as if it were a real lab.
This application would also greatly enhance the experience for students whom may have poor
vision, and may have issues seeing small items even with the use of a microscope.
Britannica kids: volcanos/ rain forest
Britannica kids has several applications that can be used in a science classroom. They
have Britannica kids: rainforest, Britannica kids: volcanoes, and Britannica a kids: dinosaurs.
Although this application has the word kid in its name it can still be effectively utilized in a
secondary classroom. This application has many engaging features like puzzles, games, and
reading materials (Britannica Kids ,2014). The most effective use of this application in a

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secondary classroom would be if a teacher used the application to introduce a concept by asking
students to use the application to gain a fundamental understanding of a topic or even to find
certain facts on their own. This application could be great for ESE and ELL students since it
appeals to visual and kinesthetic learners and like many other applications the students are able
to work at their own pace.
Nova Elements
Nova elements is an application in which students can discover the elements in the
periodic table. This application allows students to explore the elements with an interactive
periodic table, build atoms, and even watch an education TV show about the elements (NOVA
Elements on edshelf ,2013). This application can be used to enhance learning in a science
classroom because the teacher could assign students certain elements in which they must become
an expert and the student could then teacher their classmates about the element using the
application by streaming their iPad to the main screen, meanwhile their classmates could follow
along on their own iPads. This application is great for ESE students because it appeals to all
types of learning styles, and prevents students whom may have low reading proficiency from
having to read wordy and lengthy material to understand the elements.

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Resources
Edshelf.com,. (2014). Algebra Touch on edshelf. Retrieved 10 November 2014, from
https://edshelf.com/tool/algebra-touch
Edshelf.com,. (2013). Aurasma on edshelf. Retrieved 10 November 2014, from
https://edshelf.com/tool/aurasma
Edshelf.com,. (2014). Britannica Kids: Dinosaurs on edshelf. Retrieved 10 November 2014,
from https://edshelf.com/tool/britannica-kids-dinosaurs
Edshelf.com,. (2013). BuzzMath on edshelf. Retrieved 10 November 2014, from
https://edshelf.com/tool/buzzmath
Edshelf.com,. (2013). Ko's Journey on edshelf. Retrieved 10 November 2014, from
https://edshelf.com/tool/kos-journey
Edshelf.com,. (2014). Nearpod on edshelf. Retrieved 10 November 2014, from
https://edshelf.com/tool/nearpod
Edshelf.com,. (2013). NOVA Elements on edshelf. Retrieved 10 November 2014, from
https://edshelf.com/tool/nova-elements
Edshelf.com,. (2014). Splashtop Whiteboard on edshelf. Retrieved 10 November 2014, from
https://edshelf.com/tool/splashtop-whiteboard
Edshelf.com,. (2014). 3D Cell Simulation and Stain Tool on edshelf. Retrieved 10 November
2014, from https://edshelf.com/tool/3d-cell-simulation-and-stain-tool