I received a “tweet” from NSTA yesterday – the new version of SciLinks is operational! If you’ve been a longtime user of SciLinks, you’ll notice the new look right away. It’s more visually appealing but the basic functions are there.
After logging in, you still have the option of searching by a textbook code or keyword. You can save the search for future reference, and you can also start a list of favorite websites for your lesson planning or to share with students. When you try some of the functions, you’ll get a note that more features (such as the class roster) are in the works. But I’m glad that the basic functions are available as we get ready for the new school year. If you’re a novice to SciLinks, there are several ways you can use the results of your search.
Recommending sites to students. As a teacher, you can provide logins for students to look at particular sites, or you can give them a printed list of suggestions. For interested students, you might go to the next grade level or you could go down a level for students who may struggle with the text. Share a login with the librarian so that he/she can remind students of this resource. In my town, many students use the technology at the local public library. Perhaps the staff there could be alerted to how and why students would access this.
In large group settings. Why just talk about science topics when there are many sites that lend themselves to illustrating the concepts? Building bridges, watching volcanoes erupt, seeing animals congregate around a water hole at night, or accessing photographs and video of various topics bring these topics to life. If you’re fortunate enough to have a smart board or projection unit, using a simulation or video clip with the class or a small group of students could be an engaging experience for them – and the resources are free and ready when you are. Print out or save some of the pages of a site to supplement or update the textbook information.
Teacher learning. One thing I’ve enjoyed over the years is using SciLinks to keep current on topics such as the human genome and climate change. I especially love the earth science topics (I taught life and physical science, so I’m continuing to learn). If you’re unfamiliar with a topic, searching for sites geared to middle or high school students would be a quick and painless way to learn more about it.