It cannot be over-emphasised that the IT for US modules are not intended to comprise a complete or self-contained curriculum for teaching science with ICT. The materials should be chosen selectively according to the context, aims and scope of a training course.
The three main elements of value to course instructors are:
- Vision of the learning value of ICT; enlightening teachers with potential learning benefits unique to ICT applications
- Exemplar practical activities which illustrate such value; activities which may be performed in course workshops and taken back to school for use in lessons
- Pedagogical commentary for provoking thought and fuelling discussion amongst teachers about objectives, methods and styles of teaching
The following factors influence the selection of materials for use on a training course:
- national context of science curriculum requirements,
- science subject,
- the age of pupils,
- the type of software available.
The table summarises how these selection factors relate to the modules available.
Module | Curriculum application | Subject | Age level | Software |
1. Oscillations:Introduction to Coach 6 | Software skills | All science | 12-17 | Coach 6 |
2. Oscillations:Introduction to Insight | Software skills | All science | 12-17 | Insight |
3. A video introduction to Modellus | Software skills | All science | 12-17 | Modellus |
4. Introduction to graphs and trajectories | Skills with graphs | All science | 14-17 | Modellus |
5. Vectors, velocity and displacement | Skills with graphs | Physics | 14-17 | Modellus |
6. Strong and weak acids | Core curriculum | Chemistry | 16-17 | Coach 6 |
7. Photosynthesis and respiration | Core curriculum | Biology | 15-17 | Coach 6 |
8. Cooling and change of state | Core curriculum | Chemistry Physics | 15-17 | Insight |
9. Electricity - Concepts and circuits | Core curriculum | Physics | 14-17 | Insight |
10.Modelling chemical reactions | Core curriculum | Chemistry | 15-17 | Modellus |
11.Bungee jumping | Extension curriculum | Physics | 15-17 | Coach 6 |
12.Thermal energy and the human body | Extension curriculum | Biology Physics | 14-17 | Insight |