Marissa designed a mini unit (over 2 weeks)
where 8th grade earth science students collected
and analyzed data, first by hand, and then using
the technology. The students collected data on
how the angle of insolation affected the rate of
temperature changes of a surface using a thermometer.
The next day the students collected the
same data using the temperature probe connected
to the calculator-CBL. Marissa required the
students to work in groups setting up each lab;
she provided them with detailed instructions for
each day. On the second day, she designed a lesson
where students practiced setting up the CBL
system as a way of gaining experience with the
equipment. The students ‘‘caught onto the equipment
very quickly’’. According to Marissa, ‘‘I felt
that the integration of technology in the class was
successful. The students generally liked using the
technology better because it was faster and seemed
more accurate. They could see why scientists use
technologyyto collect data. It is much more
efficient than collecting data by hand.’’ Upon