Application of radio frequency identification (RFID) in science education

Two application aspects of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in science education are given. First, RFID technology contributes in carrying out scientific inquiry at all levels; taking “the classification of plants” as an example, we put forward that the application of RFID is conducive in creating individual situational scientific inquiry and that it provides students with multidimensional ways of cooperation and interaction. In addition, it contributes to the integration of formative assessment and summative evaluation. Second, RFID technology provides a way for students to understand the nature of science; the example of “plants classification” shows the relationship between science inquiry and the nature of science. Taking the “pendulum” as another example, we propose that RFID technology helps students in understanding the nature of science. Copyright © 2011 IACSIT Press.