“Navigate the Now, Design the Future” Best use of science simulations in the classroom

Chris SloughColegio Franklin D Roosevelt

Today’s Agenda, Part I:

Background:

What is a simulation?

What purpose do/should they serve?

What does the research say?

Today’s Agenda, Part II:

Introduction of specific simulations:

Algodoo PHETConcord ConsortiumWindwardExploring the Nardoo

Today’s Agenda, Part III:

Examples of constructivist learning opportunities:

Grades 7 to 8: Concord: Visualizing MotionGrades 6 to 10: Algodoo: Rube Goldberg projectGrades 7 to 8: PHET: Mutant Bunnies and

Hungry WolvesGrades 11 to 12: PHET: Modeling the

Photoelectric Effect, Coefficient of Kinetic Friction, Circuit Design

Which simulations do you already use?

Computer-based or otherwise?

What is a simulation?

* * *

It is a representation of a system, that evolves over time in accordance to initial conditions, which the experimenter can manipulate.

* * *

Why use a simulation?

How much research has How much research has been conducted? been conducted?

What has it shown?What has it shown?

What produces the best results?

How simulations should NOT be used:

Constructive vs. InstructiveThe goal is become a facilitator during the use

of the simulation as opposed to being an instructor.

Students must have opportunities to create hypotheses and/or models, then test their

validity and evaluate the outcome.

It sounds very similar to creating a good lab…

Best Lab Scenario?

Give them a pile of stuff, and say “Go!”

CONGRATULATIONS!

You have made it through Part I.

Now it gets fun. No, really.

Some very good simulations…

Examples: Visualizing MotionMarble MoversMutant Bunnies and Hungry WolvesModeling the Photoelectric EffectDetermining μk Circuit Design

These will be blocked together…

URL’s for simulations discussed:

Windward: Outsmart the Weather in a Race around the World.: www.ciconline.org/windward 

Concord Consortium: www.concord.org/Algodoo: www.algodoo.com/PHET: phet.colorado.edu/Exploring the Nardoo:

www.impty.com/nardoo.htm

ADDITIONAL SIMULATIONS OF INTEREST:

Virtual Bouyancy http://www.seed.slb.com/en/scictr/lab/buoy_exp/buoyancy.html

Roller Coaster http://www.learner.org/exhibits/parkphysics/coaster/Commercial Fishing http://www.seed.slb.com/en/scictr/watch/climate_change/anim/toc/index.htm

Virtual Microscope http://www.udel.edu/Biology/ketcham/microscope/scope.html

1. Journal of Applied Educational Technology, Volume 3, Number 1, 2006

“Simulations: Bringing the benefits of situated learning to the traditional classroom”Les M. Lunce, Department of Technology & Cognition, College of EducationUniversity of North Texas

2. ScienceDaily, Oct. 2011. "Computer simulations can be as effective as direct

observation at teaching students“Ohio State University, no author listed

3. Phys. Rev. ST Physics Ed. Research 6, 2010“Factors promoting engaged exploration with computer Simulations”Noah S. Podolefsky*, Katherine K. Perkins, and Wendy K. Adams Department of Physics, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado

4. Technology in the secondary science classroom, 2008 “Using computer simulations to enhance science

teaching and learning.” In R.L.Bell, J. Gess-Newsome, & J. Luft (Eds.), Bell, R.L., & Smetana, L. Arlington, VA: NSTA Press.