Although we are not fortunate enough to be able to join in his US based workshops, we are able to access his awesome videos. They can be used as demonstrations or they can be replicated for a lesson, particularly as most of the materials he uses are everyday objects. I know that I, and my former students, will forever be thankful that we discovered Steve Spangler!

Discover him too using the link below.

http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/video/

The Stuff of Life: A Graphic Guide to Genetics and DNA is a story created by Mark Schultz, Zander Cannon and Kevin Cannon presented in hard cover as a Graphic Novel. Easy to understand, and an entertaining read.

It’s story about ‘Bloort 183′. A scientist from an Alien life form who’s been given the task of researching human DNA to report back and explain it all in clear, concise simplicity.

The people behind this project have obviously put some serious thought into engaging their target audience. They’ve successfully identified a platform that will excite the students in a format that will engage them by thinking way outside the square.

You can preview the Graphic Novel here.

Another amazing feature is the ‘Historic Imagery’. By moving a slider left and right you can view how the location has changed over time.

Keep reading to view the video demo.

1. Record presentations and explanations of key terms and concepts covered in science, using diagrams, images and video footage where possible. For example, a science teacher in the US produced a rap song on the theme of ‘protein synthesis’, to help students learn the information. Another teacher had their students create podcasts with a recording about the issue of climate change. One student created a animation of the process using Keynote slides.
2. Record steps or instructions in a carrying our a scientific procedure, using diagrams, images or video footage where necessary. This can be particularly useful in carrying our scientific experiments, as it will free up the teacher to move between groups and provide assistance. Alternatively, students can narrate labs, dissections and experiments to record the research process.
3. Record news stories and breakthroughs about developments in science, for a radio show type segment. Student can use magazines like New Scientist, newspapers, podcasts and much more to help them with their research.
4. Record interviews with experts in a scientific field, for a radio show type segment. For example, students could create a mock interview with a scientist about a new scientific discovery.
5. Record student progress in Science, with samples of work before and after a learning sequence.
6. Record student goals for science and reflections throughout the year in terms of how they have been working to achieve their goals.