Scratch

I visited Scratch, a free software available online and created at MIT. This program was pretty cool. I see a lot of potential for use of Scratch in any content area and at just about any grade level (3rd-12th). This program offers an elementary programming language that can be used to create games and animations. Scratch would not be applicable for drill and practice or as a tutorial, but it would be great for creating simple simulations and animations to supplement a lecture, or encouraging kids to create their own graphics and animations to reinforce reading and lecture. Uses of this program in science could be to create an animation or game of the food web using Scratch or create an animation on Meiosis using Scratch. A creative teacher may also be able to come up with a way to use this program for kids to practice problem solving through a game or simulation. The way in which Scratch is organized makes it easy for students and teachers to use and creativity is the only limiting factor.
When using Scratch you can search their database of "sprites" & sounds or you can draw or record your own. By piecing together the Scratch "language" you can make sprite 1 turn 90 degrees when it encounters sprite 2 and you can make sprite 1 move 10 spaces when the space bar is pressed. The combinations are endless and applications are many.
The game I started to create is aimed to show the variety of obstacles wildlife face, especially when living amongst humans. The game involves a squirrel who is trying to make it across town to his tree, along the way he encounters a cat, dog, car, curious child, and bird of prey.
Scratch is free and easy to download and can be a fun activity for anyone 8 years old and up.