The creation and utilization of a physical science tablet application in the primary classroom

Abstract

In traditional science education, lecture-style presentation dominates. There is a call, however, to integrate a greater amount of inquiry and discovery into the science classroom, specifically utilizing new media and technology. To answer that call, an undergraduate team created a tablet application for primary students, which was designed to supplement instruction in the physical sciences. The app was then taken into the classroom to test for efficacy. The primary students’ test scores showed a significant increase after use of the tablet application. Grade level and school location did affect change in test score; whereas, gender, type of school, student IEP, and iPad use did not. The undergraduate team who designed the app also showed significant increase in concept knowledge after the project in specific topic areas.