Principle
Application
These videos are a demonstration of the Meisner effect. This seemingly supernatural phenomenon is a result of the superconducting properties of certain materials at extremely low temperatures.
Gardner
This demonstration would suit those with visual intelligence. The first video is the simplest demonstration of the effect. This demonstration is important because the theoretical understanding of superconductivity is very hard to grasp but the effect is readily demonstrated. All the theoretical attempts to understand the effect are first based on having observed it.
The second video is an application of this effect with a voice-over explanation of what is happening. This would be particularly relevant to those with visual spatial intelligence because this demonstrates the way of thinking that engineers and artists use.
A logical thinker would also benefit from this presentation because the voiceover explains the logic of how the system works: magnetic fields are trapped in the superconductor. From here it follows logically that the train will run as it appears to.
Implementation
This could be implemented as a video presentation in a classroom setting. In Bloom's Taxonomy this presentation would fall into the lowest level of cognitive ability however the stunning visual and the sequence of first the concept is illustrated without explanation and then application is given could be a very effective aid to remembering.
In Vygotsky's theory this could be seen as cultural mediation where the cultural significance hinted at in the second video aids a process of internalization.
This effect is briefly covered in the year 12 Physics syllabus and
Audio File
Sound of the Big Bang
"(c) John G. Cramer - 2003
Sound file of what the Big Bang would have sounded like in the very early stages of the Universe if someone were around to hear it and if that person could also hear very low frequencies.
Gardner
This sound file would be very useful to musically intelligent people. The sound does in fact have a rythm and melody to it (albeit not a very appealing one). The changing pitch and volume of the sound could be easily remembered by a musically able person and this would re-enforce the theory behind the sound, which is that the universe expanded and changed characteristics.
Implementation
Two simple ways to implement this device are to play it to the class or embed it in a document, blog, webpage or email so that the sound file fits with the text it describes. The combination of linguistic implementation and audio re-inforcement can be experienced individually or with a group, that is, at the student's own pace or at the teacher's pace.
Image Slideshow
Gardner
This demonstration is clearly useful to the visually able. The three pictures have a logical order to them that lends itself to knowing the history of scientific principles which is one of the objectives of the NSW Syllabus. The sequence reads: there was a man called Isaac Newton, he published an important historical document, the result of which can be seen on people's desks worldwide.
This would also help people with linguistic curiousity. Newton's paper was published in Latin, as can be seen in the picture and this puts the question of scientific advancement in the context linguistic abilities to convey them.
Implementation
As a cognitive ICT tool this slideshow can be helpful as an easy to remember visual record of key parts of the NSW syllabus. The combination of the picture and caption and the animation of the pictures in the form of a book puts this historical and sometimes dull practise in a new dimensions. Now the students can see that the historical developments has influenced the world in the four hundred years since Newton was born. The Newton's cradle is something which most people would have seen and used but have not really understood.
Online Game
free online games
The player controls a paddle which is used to hit the ball past the computers paddle and score a goal.
Gardner
This game is highly advantageous for visual spatial learners because it uses angled lines to convey a three dimensional system. According to Gardner's theory, those with an artistic eye would grasp the meaning of the game quicker.
The kinesthetic students would also be drawn in more quickly into the game because it exercises their physical abilities.
Implementation
The first thing which makes this game a good ICT tool is that it is very fun to play, in this way it draws the students into play. What the game demonstrates to the students is the nature of spin on a ball. In the same way that a tennis ball hit with top spin will fall more quickly than one without, a ball hit with side spin will curve away. The game is designed so that the player can impart spin onthe ball and score the goal. The spin motion is consistent with the laws of physics and is an important thing to be understood in basic Newtonian mechanics.
Visual Map
A mindmap of Isaac Newton and the concepts which he pioneered or was influenced by.
Gardner
A mindmap is very helpful to a visual spatial learner. It allows the key ideas to be displayed in a way which can be more easily remember. Furthermore it allows each concept to be linked with another by a very concrete method.
Implementation
Mind maps are proven to be a valuable aid to learning for students. One of the benefits of mind maps is that it allows students to add to them as they gain new knowledge and also allows them to build the connections themselves. This requires students to be active learners, analysing and then implementing the knowledge they recieve.
