games646-3 GAMES FOR TEACHING SCIENCE AND MATH CONCEPTS

(1) Games in the single computer classroom: Design a lesson to use a computer game in a classroom with only one computer and a data projector. You are welcome to develop the example from class (Green Globs & Graphing Equations, focusing on scientific applications of conic sections) or other math/science games of your choice.

• Major concepts:

While middle school science students are not yet at a point to understand sophisticated math concepts such as conic sections, they can still benefit from graphical analysis and practice via an activity like green globs.

If I were to use this program in an 8th grade physical science class I would use green globs to focus on graphing speed and motion. Students could still use prediction skills to hit the globs, the only difference from our in class activity is that students would only be using linear equations.


• Performance objectives:

Students will:

Interpret graphs of distance versus time for motion in a single direction (CA state standard)

Students will also be able to predict the points and intercepts of graphs based on a few points.

Those students with a stronger math background will be able to examine the role of different variables in shifting and tilting a graph.


• Detailed handout that will lead students through the lesson

(2) Games in a small group setting: Design a lesson to use a computer game in the small groups. You are welcome to develop an example from class (Supermind) or other game-oriented math/science games of your choice. Include the following:

• Major concepts

This activity can be adapted for any topic. It can even be used in classes other than science. In this game, students will practice using appropriate vocabulary words from the current section by making and solving crossword puzzels.

•Performance objectives

While students can become familiar with vocabulary terms by solving crossword puzzels, the real challenge and benefit of this activity come from creating the puzzels. The challenge of creating a puzzle that can stump classmates and maybe even the teacher will motivate students to stretch their understanding and application of the terms.


• Detailed handout that will lead students through the lesson.