This is a fun activity (using balloons always is) used during exam practice for long answer questions such as the QWC questions (quality of written communication) or indeed past papers. 

Students work collaboratively in groups to answer the extended questions. If the students require support they may pop a balloon off the board. Inside each ballon is a hint or part of the markscheme to assist the students answer the question. The balloons are differentiated, the green contain minor glues whereas the red contain more detailed support. 

The price of popping the balloons and being rewarded with assistance also comes with a deduction in the marks available for the question. This is to encourage the students to use other resources such as their exercise book, revision guide and each other before seeking teacher support.  The different coloured balloons relate to different marks deducted, green -0.5, orange -1, and red -2. The students have to think strategically and decide whether to pop one or more of each colour, or any, in order to maximise their overall score. There is a limited number of balloons available and the hints inside cannot be shared between groups. This is another consideration for the students whether to pop a balloon early or take the risk of not having any balloons left. 

I stumbled across this app whilst on twitter two weeks ago which sounded interesting. I've been flipping the learning in my classroom for just over a year so am still finding new ways to deliver homework and perfecting the methods I already use. 

Verso is a highly effective product which is can be accessed via the web or an app on a mobile device that enables content such as videos, PowerPoints, worksheets, files or web links to be pushed to students. A teacher can set up a class which the students log in to. The teacher can then set flipped learning homework such as watch a video on a particular subject then pose a question or series of questions for the students to answer via the app. The teacher is then able to view the students answers in real time, respond to them, and in Facebook style like their comments. The beauty of this system is the teacher can group the students by the quality of their response before the lesson and give them guidance on where to find additional useful material before the lesson if necessary.  In essence Verso enables the teacher to plan for a personalised differentiated lesson for all students based upon the individual students knowledge and understanding before they enter the lesson. This is a very powerful tool and from using Verso on numerous occasions I am able to gain am insight into what aspects of the subject content I need to focus on within the lesson, and identify weaknesses in the students understanding and their key misconceptions. http://versoapp.com/#verso

Flipped learning is a relatively new model of teaching that gives greater responsibly for learning to the students and frees up more class time for teachers to create captivating learning experiences. The knowledge content such as basic terminology is given to the students before the lesson for them to master rather than the teacher "lecturing" for a proportion of the lesson. The students enter the lesson with a knowledge and understanding of the topic principles, so the lesson is focussed around applying the concepts, engaging in collaborative tasks, asking questions, and receiving guidance and feedback. This all makes for a more productive lesson where student-student and student-teacher interaction is maximised. 

Verso caters for the flipped learning environment and has been very well received by the students as a modern method of completing homework that relates to their day to day experiences from social networking sites. Once they submit their answers they are able to view the answers of all the other students in the class and can respond to each other if they choose, which is a fantastic learning tool in its self. The data of the students  answers is graphically represented which is another very useful function of this app.

Verso is available via iOS, Android and the web. 

This simple app is a must for every noble science teacher. Create a Breaking Bad style image complete with chemical symbols. 

The app works by substituting the possible chemical element symbols in your name or phrase with the symbols complete with mass numbers. Useful for signs on classrooms or around the department. 

Available to download from iTunes. 
https://itunes.apple.com/app/id699549855

This is an augmented reality (AR) app that will mark maths addition and subtraction problems. Simply print out the worksheets solve the sum the scan it with the app.  The app will then mark the problem showing an augmented reality red cross or green tick. With the press of a button the app will also display the correct answer. A useful independent learning tool that also contains an tutorial section containing short videos demonstrating how to solve addition and subtraction questions. Once downloaded doesn't require internet access just an iOS device. 

The app is designed by WhittleJam, their website contains printable worksheets pitched at two ability levels, beginner and advanced (http://whittlejam.com). The worksheets are randomly generated each time you download them so provide a constant supply of questions. The app is particularly useful for primary students or low ability secondary students and provides an engaging and captivating way to enhance maths skills through self-assessment, and the latest augmented reality technology.

Currently available form the App Store.