Unit: 5 Science and Technology: It’s a Perfect Match

In this short article, the author provides great lesson examples on how to incorporate the use of technology in science classrooms. By the use of digital cameras, digital video microscopes, projectors, TV’s, PowerPoint, and computers, Science teachers are reaching their students in new ways. Raising their level of motivation and excitement. Simple projects like: going outside with the digital camera and photographing living and non-living things and then creating an E-Book through PowerPoint; or using a digital video microscope to zoom in on minute details of specimens and then projecting the image onto a screen for the entire class to view, allows students and teachers to understand the content through a new lens. Virtual field trips are another great example of how students can utilize the computer to transport themselves to another place. The web provides an enormous amount of possibilities to focus a lesson on a particular place or culture related to a topic. The author used the lesson example on evolution and how the Galapagos Islands can be investigated through the simple click of a button. The final part of the article seemed most important; it provided some tips for teachers to consider when they decide to use technology for educational purposes.

I particularly like the first tip, “understand your objectives for the lesson. That will help you use the technology more effectively to meet the objectives” (p. 122). Meaning, technology might not be the best way to approach the lesson and if that the case one should not use it. Critically thinking about our options as teachers will help us justify why or why not we use technology in the classroom. As I read this article, I began to wonder how I could use the same concepts in my art/ceramics class. Learning how to see is what art is all about. Taking a very close and methodical look at the natural would is considered an artistic endeavor. The studies of light and shadow, flora and fauna, human anatomy, (the list could go on and on) all are important subject matters to both science and art. These lessons outlined in this article could all be utilized in an art classroom. As a matter of fact, I already have an idea for the extreme magnification of an animal as a drawing exercise. Understanding the subtleties of nature provides deeper meaning for students, and the use of technology will help in this journey of discovery.

Renwick, L. (2003). Science and technology: It’s a perfect match. Instructor.