Hacking Homework. Coding a Calculator. The Mudwatt!

My top three strategies, ideas, or tools of the week! ​

• Looking for a more meaningful way to "check" homework science or math class? Instead of circulating the room, give students a 1-question quiz with a problem similar to those assigned for homework. Here's the hack: Project the question have students answer on a notecard. Question on one side, answer on the other. Grade quickly and return. By then end of the unit, homework quizzes become subject specific flashcards!

   

• ***Are you a math or science teacher looking for a simple way to integrate programing into your curriculum?***Rather than leveraging store bought calculators, challenge your students, to "Code a Calculator" by using simple block based coding languages such as Scratchor Blockly. Click here for an excellent tutorial using Scratch. Simpler applications include coding a "Tip Calculator" are shown here.

 

• ***Interested in a simple way to bring STEM to the life sciences at any grade level?***Check out the Mudwatt. The Mudwatt is a system that allows students to build a fuel cell that runs on muddy microbes. The affordable cell offers a long-term experimental platform for learning about microbiology, decomposition, nutrient cycling, soil chemistry, biochemistry, and electrical engineering. Click here for a video with additional information.