Middle Level ICT Integration

Middle Level Integration 

Today, we were oriented on using phEt simulation as one of the tools in middle level ICT integration. 

PhEt simulation- a physics education technology are interactive educational tools developed by the phEt interactive simulations project . These simulations cover a wide range of topics in science and mathematics including physics, chemistry, biology, earth science and math.

Middle level ICT integration is the intermediate stage of incorporating information and communication technology (ICT) into various aspects of teaching and learning.  

PhEt simulation allows to  explore concepts through visual experiments and visualization helping to deepen the understanding and intuition about scientific principles. This has numerous real life applications such as for AC connection, observe the behavior of substances with change in temperature and pressure, see how magnets attract or repel etc.

 I personally feel that using phEt simulations is wiser than doing practical works as it not only saves time , but a lot more easier and understandable. Moreover, some scientific experiments can be hazardous or impractical to conduct in a classroom setting. PhET simulations allow students to explore these concepts safely without the risk of injury or damage to equipment. From this, I learned to use how technology can be integrated by crating visual representations of hard grasp concepts in science and math while making them engaging through student manipulation. 

• Let me share the steps on how I  created  phEt simulation to teach on the topic 'three states of matter' for grade level Four:
• Log into phEt simulation 
• Go to 'all sims'
• Choose the subject 
• Search for the topic for the simulation ' three states of matter basic''
• There are two activities to be carried out.

1. The first activity is to observe the change in the state of matter using different  elements when put under the heat or cool. 
2. The second activity is to observe the pressure when heated and the lid is opened and closed

Lesson Plan

Topic:  Three states of matter

Subject: Science

Class: V

Time : 45 minutes

Previous knowledge: 

1. Students learned about the matters in their environment. 

Lesson objective: 

1. Students will understand the different states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) and how they change under different temperatures.
2. Students will observe how pressure changes in a closed system when the lid is opened or closed.

Teaching Learning Materials:

• Computers or tablets with internet access
• PhET Interactive Simulations: 'States of Matter: Basics'

Lesson introduction ( 8 minutes)

•  Greetings to the class. 
• Ask students to name the things around them. 
• Discuss the concept 'three states of matter'
• Tell students they will use an interactive simulation to explore how matter changes states when heated or cooled and how pressure changes in a closed system.

Lesson Development: ( 20 minutes)

Activity 1: Group activity (Observing State Changes)-10 minutes

1. Instruction:

   • Divide the students in a group of 5 with 5 members each.
   • Ask them to open the PhET simulation: "States of Matter: Basics."
   • phEt .states of matter
     
   • Let them carry on with the first activity where they can add heat or remove heat to observe state changes
   • Have students select different elements (e.g., neon, argon, oxygen, water) in the simulation.
   • Students will heat the element and observe how it changes from solid to liquid to gas.
   • Then, they will cool the element and observe the reverse changes.
   • Let students to write their observation with following questions:
1. What happens to the molecules when heat is added?
2. Describe the movement of molecules in solid, liquid, and gas states.
3. What differences do you observe between different elements?

Activity 2: Observing Pressure Changes (10 minutes)

Instruction:

• The groups should now focus on observing the pressure changes by manipulating the lid of a container.
• Have students heat the substance inside the container with the lid closed and observe the pressure changes. Then, they will open the lid and observe the changes in pressure and state of matter.
• The groups will again write their observation using following questions: 

1. What happens to the pressure inside the container when the lid is closed and the substance is heated?
2. How does opening the lid affect the state of matter and the pressure.

Follow Up activity: ( 12 minutes)

• Let the members share and discuss their observation.

Closure: (5 minutes)

• Summarize the lesson.
• Assign students to find and describe a real-life example of state changes and pressure (e.g., boiling water, refrigeration, aerosol cans).