Nova ElementsPlatforms: OS mobile devices
Users: Ages 12 and Up, Fun for adults too Cost: Free 'NOVA Elements' is an app created by the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) to explore the 118 elements of the periodic table. When the user clicks on an element within the table, a display appears highlighting multiple data fields including: · Symbol · History · Atomic weight explanation · Atomic number explanation · Electron configuration · Compounds created using element Also, there are games hosted by David Pogue (New York Times columnist), a two hour episode of NOVA called “Hunting the Elements”, and you can build/construct both elements and molecules. |
Benefits |
· Useful for a variety of ages
· Building the app tool is extremely helpful to visualize text information about protons, neutrons, electrons · Great Tutorial online · Extremely helpful instructions in both audio and visual |
constraints
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· App only covers one subject
· A lot of advertisements since it’s free · Analytics are collected if you register your Twitter account · Some material too advanced for younger ages David Pogue appears on the screen and gives audio instructions on how to access each objects featured within the app.
1. Have students use the “Twitter” feature on the period table to tweet about facts they’ve learned about an element. It will help the student memorize facts better.
2. Students will build molecules within app of common substances found in the home or daily life to better understand the properties of matter. 3. Split the class into different groups and match them up with a section of the periodic table (noble gases, transition metals, rare earth, etc.). Each group will use the app for explore their section and give a presentation to the class on why the elements are grouped into categories. 4. Assign each student an element. Each student will pretend to be an atom and arrange themselves by holding hands into a molecule. Students will get to move around and learn at the same time. 5. Have the students create flashcards of each of the elemental symbols guided by the NOVA app. Then, have the students create their own periodic table in the classroom. 1.
Teacher will use tutorials and quizzes within
app for class evaluation.
2. Teacher can use the app to fill-in any knowledge gaps or clarifications before presenting to class. 3. Teacher can assign homework involving parents. Create periodic worksheet regarding any information surrounding the periodic table and have the parent of the child check the homework using the app. 4. Teacher will create digital flashcards with different physical properties listed on each one and have students identify where these belong on the periodic chart using NOVA app. 5. Teacher will create curriculum video identifying key objectives relevant to the class using app. |