Modeling and Simulation Tools for Elementary and Middle School Science Instruction
Some Examples with Evaluations and Links
Physical Science --> Thinker Tools
Software: ThinkerTools
Author/Publisher: Funded by the National Science Foundation, developed at the University of California at Berkeley by Dr. Barbara Y. White.
Website: http://thinkertools.soe.berkeley.edu/
Brief Description: ThinkerTools is a microworld environment that allows students to run simulations of objects moving and observe the affects of various forces such as impulses, gravity, friction, etc. The software runs according to Newtonian laws, but can be altered to run according to various other laws of physics (under Model-Design). Students can run previously created simulations or create entirely new microworlds they have created to test ideas about forces and motion, including game-like simulations with targets, and timers.
Appropriate grade level: 5-9 (although could potentially be used at much earlier grades)
Potential uses in curriculum:
1. Aids in understanding Newton’s first three laws of motion including the nature of force, velocity, and acceleration, as well as the specific properties of forces such as friction and gravity.
2. Aids in understanding the process of scientific inquiry and the use of models.
Opportunities provided that are not available through other means:
3. Allows students to visualize experiments and simulations not possible in the real world and to use tools that make observations of these experiments more accessible. For example, students can turn gravity and friction on and off. Students can run simulations quickly or slowly, and they can use the dotprints and datacross devices to make easy measurements of the motion of objects.
4. Students can change the physics of the microworld environments to non-Newtonian rules in order to model intuitive ideas and see the ramifications of those ideas.
Open-endedness of the software: This software is somewhat open-ended. While it is primarily a simulation microworlds environment, the physics laws of the microworld can be altered by selecting other alternative rules. However, those rules have been pre-programmed and determined. Variables such as mass, amount of force, and arrangement of objects can be altered to customize experiments and simulations.
Background knowledge needed:
1. Since the software is not self-contained, students must either be brought through a simple teacher-led tutorial (to figure out which buttons to press when), or be able to read the model-makers software guide.
2. Students must be able to understand how to pull down menus, place objects on the screen, and change the properties of objects by double clicking on them.
Technology needed: This software runs on a Macintosh.
Scaffolding/teacher help needed:
1. Students in younger grades may need assistance with using the software
2. Knowing how to use the software to its full potential and how to relate it to the “real world” experimentation in the curriculum materials may take some guidance from those familiar with the environment.
Ease of use:
1. Relatively easy to use with a little bit of practice and a few fundamental pieces of understanding about how the software works. Software functionality is explained in the software guide.
How engaging is the software: The software is particularly engaging when created in ‘game’ playing mode, or when students design mazes. The visual aspects of the software are fairly simple, however, and the main objects are dots instead of objects (such as cars, blocks, balls, etc.). That may mean that it takes a little bit of effort to help engage students in connecting the computer microworld outcomes with those in the physical world, and to helping them see the utility of using the modeling software to answer some of their own questions about force and motion.
Quality of software design: Powerful and simple software for making often complex ideas in force and motion accessible to young and old students alike. Enables new ways of helping people visualize phenomena.
How does it address the Michigan Curricular Framework:
1. Elementary and Middle School physical science motion of objects objectives #1&2
Benefits:
1. Allows students to study complex phenomena in simple and intuitive ways
2. Students can manipulate variables quickly and examine changes in force and motion that would be difficult to replicate in the physical world.
3. Program is easy to navigate and use with a little practice
4. Fully operational free download with curriculum materials available
Drawbacks:
1. Modeling environment not appropriate for investigating other subject areas in science
2. Modeling other physical laws is limited
3. Teachers and students probably need scaffolding in order to obtain the full benefits of the software and curriculum.