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Microbe Magic
http://microbemagic.ucc.ie
An interactive science website for Primary School students.
What is the site about?
It covers four main topics:
- All about microbes
- Inside your gut
- Healthy living
- Explore your body
Cartoon characters are used to explain these topics in language that primary school children can understand and in a way they will find interesting. It includes a games and quiz section which will re-inforce learning. The Experiments section has straightforward directions for carrying out experiments using materials that are easily available.
Why was it chosen as site of the week?
It was chosen because:
- It is visually attractive and presents information in a very child-friendly manner using a conversational tone.
- It provides lots of information about the topics covered. Each topic is presented in small segments, with an option to "Find out more". More in-depth information is thus made available for older students.
- There is a good balance between information, activities and games in each topic.
- There are lots of educational games to play online. Students can download the computer game Gut Reaction, in which players travel through the intestines in a shooting game.
- "Ask a scientist" allows children to ask a question, which will be answered on the site. A list of previously asked questions, along with answers, is shown.
- A dictionary of scientific words and terms is included.
How can it be used as an educational resource?
It could be used for whole-class teaching using a data projector or whiteboard.
Groups of students could use the site to research one of the 4 main topics and present their findings to the class.
It is very suitable for using in a computer room, allowing children to work through the sections at their own pace. In the Teachers section the quizzes can be printed, with and without answers, to be completed by hand. This will help to consolidate students' learning after they have completed the topics.
Curricular Mapping:
SPHE
Strand: Myself; Strand Unit: Knowing about my Body.
SESE Science
Strand: Living Things; Strand unit: Myself/Human life
Second Level:
While it has been designed for Primary Students, the information available in the "Find out more" sections will be very useful for the Biology section in Junior Cert. Science.
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