TPACK and Science/Math Technologies

During class this week, I learned about the 3 different types of knowledge: content knowledge (CK), pedagogical knowledge (PK), and technological knowledge (TK). TPACK is a combination of these three types of knowledge that all teachers should strive for. When TPACK is reached, teachers have the right amount of pedagogical, content, and technological knowledge. Thus the know their content, how to teach it, and how to use technology to enhance what that specific subject. The idea of reaching TPACK and its blending of CK, PK, and TK is best seen with a Venn Diagram containing 3 circles. In this diagram, TPACK is the center portion where all three circles are connected and overlapping.
It is necessary for teachers to have this knowledge so that the amount of knowledge and information they are able to give to their students is as large as it could be. Through the use of TPACK, students are best able to learn. Technology will help keep students interested and the teacher and students on the same page, while pedagogical knowledge will give the teacher the skills and "know how" to teach the students, and content knowledge will allow the teacher to know what needs to be taught.
Also in class this week, we looked at various science and math technologies. My favorite of these various technologies was the Stellarium program. This is a great device that allows viewers to see what the sky looks like at any specific time and place. Through Stellarium you can even go back in time and see what the night sky looked like on the night you were born. Stellarium helps to outline the constellations, view planets and moons close up, and explore other aspects of astronomy. Stellarium is a great tool to use to teach an astronomy lesson or even a lesson about rotation and revolution.