ShowMe iPad App & PhEt Simulations

6th Grade Science

Chris Marro & Kyle Nolting

Problem Identified: Science learning objectives can be very conceptual and can be hard for students to visualize/imagine them.

Hypothesis: If we use technology to help students visualize abstract science concepts then they will be able to demonstrate their knowledge.

Data Collection: Before using interactive PhET simulations and a guided review app on the iPad (ShowMe), struggling students missed approximately approximately 80% of questions related to density. After using the ShowMe guided video review and PhEt simulator 70% of struggling students were able to answer questions on a mastery check accurately while 30% still struggled.

Actionable Step: We implemented two tech educational resources as the medium to learn two different abstract science concepts. The ShowMe ipad app was used to support students with the concept of density while PhEt simulations were used to supports students with the concept of friction.

Overall Findings/Impact: After using the ShowMe app for support, 16/18 students were able to demonstrate their understanding of density and volume on a written response question.