Generating+and+Testing+Hypotheses(Colin)

=**Generating and Testing Hypotheses**= According to the North Central Regional Educational Laboratory, generating and testing hypothesis is a vital part of the classroom. Students who are guided to ask questions about their learning develop a better understanding for the subject area. Research has shown that understanding is increased when students are asked to explain scientific principles and conceptual understanding is applied by generating and testing hypothesis.

Technology One: Design You Own Roller Coaster Software Download
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**Rationale:**
Students will use an online application in order to build a conceptual roller coaster keeping in mind the physical parameters that they have to work within in order for their roller coaster to work safely. All aspect of the coaster will be determined by the learner including the height of the hills, the loops and exit paths. Lastly, their design will undergo a safety inspection in order to determine if their creation would actually operate.

Students will be engaged in a fun activity where they get to see their ideas and concepts come to life. This also encourages predictive thinking. "Encouraging predictive thinking ensures the students not only learn specific rules and theories, but also how to use these to make predictions about novel situations." (Segal, Chipman, Glaser, 1985) This type of activity will allow students to acquire these types of skills in an enjoyable manner.

**Needed Resources and Estimated Costs:**
Roller Coaster Tycoon Software Download - Free PC Computer for software installation

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**Rationale:**
Students will build a protective device for an uncooked egg. They will predict what will help an egg survive a fall from a second story building on to a pavement surface. They will then gather the materials needed to create the protective device and build it to their specifications. The device will then be thrown from a roof in order to test their hypothesis. The video camera will be used to document the results of their hypothesis. The camera will allow students to both record the footage of their hypothesis testing and watch their results. Students will be able to make predictions and then record the results through video and can even take advantage of watching footage in slow motion in order to pinpoint the reason for whether their predictions were correct or not.

The camera can also be used to record the results of other experiments as well. This will allow students to share the results of their experiments more easily, especially in instances of distant learning. "Digital cameras are one of the single most successful Information and Communications Technology purchases you can make in a school. They enhance communication for both students and teachers." (Lightbody, 2010)

**Needed Resources and Estimated Costs:**
Kodak Playsport Camera - $124.00 Television computer to view video footage on a larger screen (if desired).

**Technology Three: Building Big - The Bridge Challenge Educational Website**


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**Rationale:**
Students can use this website to gather information about different types of structures, including bridges. They can then transfer this knowledge to "The Bridge Challenge", an online game that requires the students to select of certain type of bridge for different locations. This requires the students to predict what type of bridge would be needed for each location. The website gives instantaneous feedback on their choices and allows them to modify their selections to accommodate the suggestions from the website.

This type of activity gets the students involved with a creative process and requires them to predict the outcomes of their choices. According to Classroom Strategies For Interactive Learning, "Good Predictions are grounded in two ways.......first the prediction must be consistent with available information....second the prediction must be consistent with previous experiences." (Buehl, 2009) This website enable the students to use these guidelines when making predictions about what bridges they will create and use.

Needed Resources and Estimated Costs:
Mac or PC computer with internet access. Any web browser software

**Educational Challenges and Solutions:**
These types of activities will help students develop both 21st century skills and higher order thinking skills. By using technology such as video cameras, online activities, and downloaded software to help generate and test hypotheses, students are developing their 21st century skills of critical thinking, reasoning, problem-solving and predicting. It is also beneficial for them to engage in these types of activities by using technology as this will be the most similar to real-world applications.

**References:**
//Generating and Testing Hypotheses//. (n.d.). Retrieved April, 2011, from Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory website: http://www.netc.org/focus/ strategies/gene.php