Exemplary Science Lessons & Resources

The iQUEST Project provides resources to support learning experiences that incorporate access to visualization tools, collaboration tools, and open source applications to enhance the learning of science in middle school classrooms. Based on science standards, resources have been identified (and created) to engage students in activities that make learning "come alive." Lessons have been developed and piloted in project classrooms during iQUEST experiences. The Disemination Workshop will showcase exemplary iQUEST lessons and resources linked on the agenda below. Spotlight lessons are linked below as they are refined and polished by the Project Leadership Team.

Workshop Agenda

Presenters
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Selected iQUEST Lessons:

Scratch project image

iQUEST 1: SCRATCH an Element!
Do your students view the periodic table as boring and illogical? Do they feel that learning about it is a waste of time? Would they rather be playing games on a computer, perhaps creating their own story and animating their own characters? Let them Scratch an Element!
Natural selection image

iQUEST 2: Natural Selection
Have you wanted to change the variables of natural selection and view the the result? Student, using this lesson and a simulation tool, are able to change variables such as genes, environment, selection factors, and mutations to observe how the adaptations might impact species survival over time. 
Driving Simulation image

iQUEST 3: Driving Simulation
Learning the Rules of the Road by using a computerized simulation provides an excellent introduction to calculations of speed, distance, and time.  By adjusting the parameters in the simulation, the player can instantaneously observe the effect on the outcome, and gain valuable practice in mastering graphing on a Cartesian plan.

Moving Man

iQUEST 4: Moving Man

We all know what it looks like to walk or move. But what does it look like when we translate that motion into a graph? Learn about position graphs as you move the little man back and forth with the mouse and plot his motion. Predict what a motion graph will look like and then test your prediction. You will even write your OWN story about what happens during a motion graph!
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iQUEST 5: Molecular Models

Building Molecular Models is a simulation designed to provide students with easy access to the molecular structure of common chemicals.  This Flash-based simulation allows students to click on a chemical name to determine the accuracy of their molecular models, reinforcing atomic structure and chemical bonds. This interactive simulation was created by Computer Science students at Cal State San Marcos under the leadership of Dr. Youwen Ouyang. Activity Link.
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iQUEST 6: Recipe For Cloning

On this site students use an interactive cloning simulation to clone a mouse! They isolate donor cells, remove and discard the nucleus from the egg cell, transfer the somatic cell nucleus into the enucleated egg cell, stimulate cell division and implant the embryo in the surrogate mother. Finally, they deliver the baby mouse clone.
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iQUEST 7: RollerCoaster

This simulation allows students to apply physics concepts through an interactive Web application. Students design their own roller coaster and, as designers, they set the height of three hills, the size of a loop, the initial speed of the coaster, its mass, the gravity at work and the amount of friction on the track. A free java-enabled browser is required. There is help available to students by clicking on a ? button next to each setting tool bar. Another roller coaster site maintained by the Annenberg Foundation is called Amusement Park Physics, located at
http://www.learner.org/interactives/parkphysics/coaster/