Using movie maker to record a practical activity

Description of activity

This is an approach to recording class practicals which could be used in any science topic.

I tried it when the class were comparing the energy in different types of food. They were using the standard technique of burning the food in a Bunsen flame and using the burning food to heat water in a boiling tube.

I gave a mixed ability group of 3 students a digital camera. Whilst performing the practical they had to take pictures and short video clips to show what they had done.

After completing the practical the pictures were then downloaded to the movie maker program. The students arranged the pictures and movies in an order to describe their practical work. They then wrote a narration to describe the experiment. This was recorded using a small microphone. At a click of the button students were able to produce a small movie showing their lessons work.

Comments

Once completed, the group had a piece of work that could be sent electronically, shared with the rest of the class, shown on a whiteboard and used for revision at a later date.

From an assessment for learning perspective, misconceptions could be easily spotted and plenty of meaningful feedback could be given. The activity contains elements of visual, auditory and active learning whilst also being accessible to EAL students.

Last updated: 29 June 2007