Digital Mysteries: Jenny's Shadow (Science/English) Screenshots

Description

Digital Mysteries: Jennys Shadow is a unique app for KS2 which allows pairs to work simultaneously on one iPad with a task mapped to the national science curriculum for England.

Users are given illustrated slips of information which they read, organise into groups and lay out across the screen. These are all about Jenny and her friends doing an experiment at school. Whilst they are measuring their shadows outside in the school grounds, Jenny loses hers, so KS2 pupils are invited to help her figure out why.

The mystery could be used to develop and reinforce understanding of the everyday effects of light (that light travels from a source; that light cannot pass through some materials, and how this leads to the formation of shadows; that light is reflected from surfaces) as well as periodic changes (how the position of the Sun appears to change during the day, and how shadows change as this happens). It could also be useful to stimulate discussion relevant to the theme of scientific enquiry as pupils must use their scientific knowledge and understanding to explain Jenny and her friends observations.

Throughout completion of the task, it is designed to encourage true collaboration between the students as well as provide moments for reflection, so it could also be used to support the development of group discussion and interaction, as well as the development of generic thinking skills.

Once students have finished the task, they can generate a printable PDF report which outlines the session; the students involved, their notes, groups and answer, as well as colourful screenshots of each stage. They can also go to a Reflection Stage in which they can playback the process and discuss it as a group, with their teacher or even as a class.

Who is this app for?

Digital Mysteries: Jennys Shadow works well with those aged 7-11 years old. There are 18 slips provided, and in them, there are scientific facts with playful illustrations, information on the experiment, red herrings and also some background information on the people and activities involved.

Whats different about Digital Mysteries?

Truly collaborative: It is unique in that more than one student can interact with it at once

Record of learning: Students can interact and have fun with exciting technology, then generate a printable PDF report of their session which shows what theyve done

Cross-curricular: Mysteries come in various topics plus many are cross-curricular in themselves

Reflection: Sessions are automatically recorded so students can playback and discuss what theyve done, emphasising the importance of the process as well as the outcome

Speaking and listening: Due to its collaborative nature, each session aligns to this learning goal, plus group discussion and interaction

Engagement: Working in pairs adds to the fun experience of problem-solving

Research: Weve done years of academic research on how to make the most of touch screens for learning in general, and collaboration specifically

What does a mystery consist of?

Illustrated slips of information: Short snippets to help students with reading

Open question: To maximise the potential of collaboration, discussion and expression of ideas, the nature of the task is usually open ended

Extras: Most tasks come with personalised hints for those who need them, e.g. suggestions for organising ideas or simpler stage introductions to ease them in

Description: This gives teachers the information they need to plan their session including the curriculum point each task links to, the advised age range and possible learning outcomes

How can I try other mysteries?

At the bottom of the app details tab, tap Developer Apps to view our current range. Many more are coming soon with subjects including Computing, Maths and Humanities in KS1-4.

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