+Using Simulations to Engage Students in Inquiry on Tough Concepts

Candy Ellard and Elyse ZimmerUTeach Natural Sciences Program

University of Texas at Austin

+5E Lesson Format

A way to implement the inquiry method of learning and teaching.

+Question of the Day

How can we use density to

identify objects?

+Explain

Students… explain their understanding of concepts

learned. use evidence from sim to answer the

Question of the Day.

Teachers… ask questions to clarify understanding. introduce information related to concepts

learned.

+Elaborate

Challenges students to apply what they have learned and extend their knowledge and skills.

+Inquiry Learning Model in ScienceGood science inquiry involves learning through direct interaction with materials and phenomena.

+Inquiry Learning Model in ScienceStudents…

solve problems. reflect on problem-solving processes.are provided the opportunity to

construct their own knowledge.use information processing skills to

learn new content.

+Reflection Questions

Within the lesson, what opportunities existed for students to solve problems?

What opportunities existed for students to use information processing skills (e.g., observation, communication, classification, measuring, inference, prediction, etc.) and how were these skills involved in the problem solving process?

How did these opportunities support students’ understanding of the science content in this lesson?

+Density Lesson Connections to NSES

NSES (1996) Grades 5-8 – Content Standard A Use mathematics in all aspects of scientific inquiry. Use appropriate tools and techniques to gather, analyze,

and interpret data. Develop descriptions, explanations, predictions, and models

using evidence.

NSES (1996) Grades 5-8 – Content Standard B Properties and changes of properties in matter: a

substance has characteristic properties, such as density, a boiling point, and solubility, all of which are independent of the amount of the sample.

+PhET Simulations

Suite of interactive simulations (>100). New middle school “basics” versions currently in

development. Ex: States of Matter Basics and Energy Skate Park Basics

Topics include Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology and Earth Sciences.

Researched-based through think aloud interviews.

FREE! Online or downloadable.

+Examples of PhET sims for Middle School Classrooms• Density• Energy Skate Park Basics• Build an Atom• Balloons and Static Electricity• Projectile Motion• Forces and Motion• Gravity and Orbits• Balloons and Buoyancy • Masses and Springs• States of Matter Basics

+

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