Learn to Think Like a Scientist!

Technology to Improve Education Since 1999
Patent 6,529,705

Activity Content

The curriculum for a course may include any number of Smart Science® lab and other activity units, typically 15-25. The content associated with each Smart Science® lab or other activity unit is listed below. You may create your own content.
  1. Introduction

    • Topical picture
    • Introductory text
    • Goals and Objectives
    • Preparatory questions
  2. Procedure Page

    • In depth explanation
    • Procedure where required
    • Experimental parameters
    • Data collection
    • Graph interpretation
    • Units used
    • Sources of error
  3. Vocabulary

    • Words for this lab
    • Link to complete science dictionary (over 750 words)
    • Words defined in simple language
  4. Experiment Videos

    • One for each parameter combination
    • Two-three second duration
    • Stop action allows data collection
    • Compressed video format
  5. Data Graphing

    • Units and scale provided
    • Points plotted as collected
    • Ongoing curve fit where appropriate
    • Fit parameter(s) displayed
    • Goodness of fit value provided
    • Uses SI units
    • Type of fit preselected
      • Fit turned off by instructor option
      • Linear
      • Quadratic
      • Sinusoidal
      • Step
      • None
      • Other
  6. Hypotheses

    • Student eliminates all but one
    • Demonstrates scientific method
    • Student may write own hypothesis
  7. Scientist Biography

    • Picture
    • Short biography
    • Relevancy to experiments
  8. Further Explorations

    • Student explores subject in more depth
    • Provide for high achievers
    • Variety of types
      • Mathematical
      • Literature research
      • Build data tables
      • Exploration
  9. Post-activity Assessment

    • Graph comprehension
    • Sources of error
    • Understanding units
    • Scientific principles
    • Standardized test preparation
    • Support for students
      • Solution strategies with sample problems
      • Access to all support materials
  10. Customizable Report Form

    • Goals and Objectives
    • Hypotheses/Predictions
    • Text sections
      • Introduction
      • Procedure
      • Summary
      • Additional essay questions
      • Conclusions
    • Data, graphs and apparatus automatically included
  11. Answers to Questions

    • Includes experiment summary
    • Preview for teacher
    • Review for student after taking test
    • All answers include explanations
  12. Solution Strategies

    • In-depth explanations
    • Step by step approach to solving problems associated with this experiment
    • Sample problems worked out in detail
  13. Activity Plans

    • Provides purpose for lab
    • Explains what student should and may accomplish
    • Shows important content of activity
    • Gives links to introduction and review questions with answers
Patent No. 6,529,705
Trademark Registration No. 2,941,025
Copyright 2000-2009 ParaComp, Inc. CA U.S.A.
Background Image from Hubble Space Telescope Key Team & NASA