iPad APP: 3D Brain

3D Brain is a free application that allows its users to rotate and zoom around 28 interactive structures of the brain. When you open the app, it shows a 3 dimensional photo of the whole brain, with different sections highlighted in different colors.

On the right side of the application, there is a toolbar that has four different options. The first is the structures section, which has a list with corresponding pictures of the different parts of the brain. When you click on one of these sections, for example the Basal Ganglia, the 3D brain switches to a transparent brain highlighting the Basal Ganglia. Each part of the section is shaded in a different color which allows the student to understand what the pieces look like.

The next option is the Info tab, which provides an overview of the structure, a case study related to it, as well as other information such as associated functions, disorders, substructures, etc. The label function points to each of the different pieces that make up the section, and gives its technical name.

Lastly, there is a search button where you can look up terms or key words involved in the different brain sections. Being able to rotate the brain 360 degrees in each direction and see the brain at every angle gives students the opportunity to get a strong grasp on the structure of our brains. It is exciting for students to really get a good look at what their own brains look like, and how different parts are used when they do different activities. This app could be used as a resource in countless lesson plans and projects.

There are multiple ways to utilize this app in a lesson plan. Students could do a brain scavenger hunt where they would have to use the different functions of the app to answer questions about a certain area of the brain. The students could create their own technological models of a specific section of the brain they are assigned to as a project in groups, using Glogster or a virtual field trip. They could also use this app as a reference to create a 3D model of the brain using clay or other art materials. Focusing on one section, students could use this app, along with other sources, to research an area of the brain and see how they use it in their daily life. They could then apply that to a creative writing piece by making a story about a day in the life of that particular brain area.

The essential science standards that are linked to this app include 3.L.1 which is a third grade standard involving the use of human body systems, and 5.L.1, which is understanding the daily functions our organs carry out. Although at first glance this app may seem advanced, it is important for students to familiarize themselves with the scientific terminology. AIG students would be able to use this app for differentiated assignments, as the rest of the class focused on one area of the brain. There are ways to apply this application to science, ELA, and art. Primarily, this is a phenomenal tool to give students a realistic look at the brain, and with teachers creativity it can be used to support and enhance learning in a variety of subjects.

The above video gives a brief demonstration on this free app, directed towards upper elementary grades.

iPad Productivity App

Technology is a keystone in the 21st Century Classroom. There are multiple technological devices and programs that can help a classroom run more smoothly, and help a teacher stay more organized and focused. The Teacher Kit application can be used on iPhones or iPads to store all of the student data a teacher needs to keep track of. Trouble keeping track of seating charts and students names? This application comes with desks that you can accompany with students names and photographs. Instead of having clipboards and lists, taking attendance can now be done at the click of a button on the students electronic desk and is immediately stored in the database.

Behavioral and academic notes can be made directly on the application and confidentiality will not be an issue with the addition of a passcode on an app. For those who are concerned with the app crashing, it can be integrated with email and dropbox to ensure backup.

This application will allow teachers to free their desks and filing cabinets of attendance, behavior, and grade book clutter, and maintain it all in one organized place that can be transported with them everywhere. I will definitely use this app in my future classroom. Names are not my strong suit, and being able to connect a face with a name and location in the classroom will definitely make my transition into new classes each year much smoother. With apps like Teacher Kit, there's no need for teachers to waste time updating and organizing records, and allows them to spend more quality time helping their students.

The video above gives a brief tutorial on the application and some of the things that it can be used for.