Nature science simulation project for Estonian high schools

Urmas Tokko, Science Didatics Department of Tartu University,

teacher of Tartu Tamme Gymnasium

Background of the project

• Internet based simulations in Estonia since 1993.

• Simulation projects in Estonia every year on different subjects.

• Organisers of current nature science simu-project working third year, different scenario for each year.

• (http://www.tamme.tartu.ee/tyybel4)

Theoretical background

• Simulation project is one way of distance learning (Tele-learning) for pupils.

• Projects like that base on different methods of active leaning: using elements of problem-based learning, group-work and other methods to develop student's high order thinking levels.

Advantages of Tele- learning, 1.

• Individual learning speed, development of student's responsibility.

• Student-centred education, teachers like supervisors (cognitivism).

• Integration of subjects in reality.

• Interaction with large amount of contemporaries and specialists

• Learning things one wouldn’t learn otherwise (not exactly in school curricula).

• Group-work, appropriate tasks for every participant.

Advantages of Tele- learning, 2.

Disadvantages of Tele- learning

• Insufficient development of some communication skills of students.

• Higher motivation as an assumption to participate.

• More possibilities to waste time.

Dowel 4 - management

• financed by Tiger Leap program;

• about 24 schools participating;

• e-mail access from every school needed;

• teacher + group of students (3-15);

• manual sent to every group;

• organisers: regular tasks, analyses;

Dowel 4 - scenario

• Presentation of group.

• Simulation “Organs’ life”.

• Simulation “Bioethics and cultural background”.

• Web-based quiz.

• Practical science - short investigation.

• Gathering together: first for teachers, later for all participants.

Group presentation

• Persons

• School

• Settlement

• Environmental activities

• Access to computers

Simulation No 1 “The organs’ life”, rolesDifferent organ systems

of human body:

• respiratory system;

• circulatory system;

• nervous system;

• skeleton;

• etc., two groups per one role.

Description of role - Web pages

• Web-pages for organ systems:– structure– functioning– pathology– illustrations– links

• useful public studying material.

Decision making: Pregnancy

Initial state:

• 4 month pregnancy + short description of 17-year old lady’s lifestyle.

Tasks:

• Describe “your” changes

• Ask from others, what you need.

• Inform, what was asked from you.

• Simulation roles: representatives of different religions, nations, movements. Examples:

• Hippies.

• American Indians, Incas

• new religions of 20th century.

• Fenno-Ugric people,18th cent.

• Australian aborigines, etc.

“Bioethics and cultural background”

Decision making

Solving given situations, arguing, giving reasons.

• middle-aged man on tight situation after accident;

• young lady pregnant from mistress;

• family planning;

Web-based quiz

• One busy day (morning/evening).

• Special web-environment: possibility to interact, send and get hints.

• Special evolutionary scale and algorithm for scoring.

Practical science

• Short investigation of founded thing/material in a certain place.

• Compiling a chemical-physical description of that.

• Figure-out Game: guessing what have been found by other groups.

End of the project

• Workshop for teachers: lectures, visiting research centers, discussion

• Gatherings together of all participants: educational and entertainment activities

• Debriefing