McClay+Case+Study

A requirement of the middle school science curriculum in the Pittsburgh Public Schools is that each student conducts an experiment using the scientific method and present the process and results of the experiment using a trifold board. While the scientific method is an important area of study for students and provides an authentic learning experience for students in terms of learning how scientists solve problems using the scientific method, the idea of presenting the findings on a piece of cardboard is antiquated, minimizes the authenticity of how scientists work and does nothing to incorporate 21st Century Skills into the experience. The dilemma and essential question for this case study is: In what ways using technology can we display the process and results of a scientific investigation? In addition to this primary essential question, I hoped to determine if the integration of technology would increase the amount of completed science projects submitted this year.
 * __ Dilemma  __**

This case study took place at Arlington Accelerated Learning Academy (AALA) in the computer lab and science lab. While all of the 6th, 7th and 8th grade students were required to present their projects digitally, the focus of this study was the 7th grade students. This decision was made because some of the data forms would require the students to have completed a science project last school year. Additionally, the 8th grade was ruled out due to the phenomenon that occurs each spring when the 8th grade students lose sight of academic requirements in anticipation of high school.
 * __ Setting  __**

There are 38 students in the 7th grade class. There are 23 girls and 15 boys. Of this population, 8 are special needs students. The computer lab at Arlington is equipped with 30 Dell desktop computers and three laser printers-2 color and one black and white. The computers have internet access but an extremely prohibitive filtering system exists on the machines throughout the district. The computers also have Microsoft Office Suite installed on them.