Digital Communication Tools

Chapter 5: Handheld Computers--PDAs

Additional Activities

Cell Division Animation

Objective

Materials

Procedure

1. Read about the stages of mitosis. You may want to refer to a science textbook or search online for descriptions.
2. Search online for photographs of the various stages of mitosis.
3. Create a drawing of interphase for the first frame of your animation. Then use the text tool to label and explain this stage of mitosis.
4. Generate frames for each of the phases, including prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Use the text tool to label and explain each of these stages of mitosis. Use the duplicate tool to insert a copy of the current frame. This enables you to change minor details without recreating the original drawing.
5. Once each frame is created, play the animation by selecting Play Animation from the Project menu.
6. Share your animations with other students in the class to compare explanations of the stages of mitosis.

Extension

Constitutional Amendments

Objective

Materials

Procedure

1. As a class or in small groups, read and discuss the amendments to the Constitution. Use a hard copy, or use a search engine to find and download the Constitution of the United States. Read it in any document reader, such as PalmReader. Why are amendments important? Which amendments have the most influence on history?
2. Select which amendment you feel has been the most influential on American history.
3. Research examples of how the amendment has influenced different events.
4. Using FreeWrite, Memo Pad, or Microsoft Word, write a persuasive essay on why this amendment was the most influential. Provide examples found from your research.

Extension

Periodic Table

Objective

Materials

Procedure

1. Review the arrangement of elements in the periodic table. Note how the arrangement of elements shows patterns among the elements with similar properties.
2. In Pico Map, create a node, which is the circle where topics are stated. Label the first node Elements.
3. Create a second node and label it Alkali Metals. Create an edge connecting the two nodes.
4. Create new nodes to list the other groups of elements. Include the groups listed in Step 2. Connect these nodes to the main node by using edges.
5. Finish the concept map by filling in the characteristics of these element groups.
6. If infrared printing capabilities are available in your classroom, beam the concept maps to be printed for later use. Otherwise, beam your concept map to a partner to compare characteristics. Then enhance your own concept map by adding details.

Extension