Modeling + Simulating + Visualizing

Engaging + Discovering + Thinking

Scott A. Sinex

How do you get this process into the classroom?

October 13–15, 2010Hampton, Virginia

Moving MODSIM into the Classroom Panel

A program in western PA…

(high school teachers in three summer plus follow-up workshops (2006-2008)

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Maryland Virtual High School

Computation and Science Teachers (CAST) Workshops

http://www.psc.edu/eot/k12/cast.php

simulation find the ideal model add error to data

In the real world…

In the educator’s world…

develop a multivariable approach for an investigation3

Find a tool…

• Easy to learn for teachers• Accessible by teachers and students

spreadsheets

• Change the mindset

time and professional development…more time

Something has to click!

Focus on a single

tool initially!

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test

analyze

predict

and explain !

In the classroom: What if… ?

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Start simple!!!!!!!!!

Experimental data -----> models with r2 ~ 1

- Stack Height of Cookies- Stacking of Nested Styrofoam Cups

- Burning the Virtual Candle

http://academic.pgcc.edu/~ssinex/excelets 6

Post workshop survey…As you think back on the CAST program experience, which part(s) of the training were most helpful and why?

Learning Excelets… Learning Vensim… Learning NetLogo…

Responses from 21 teachers (out of 46) from three years. 7

more results…Creating a model/simulation of your own to use in the classroom…Learning how to incorporate a model or simulation into the science/math lesson plan (“computational thinking”)…Learning where to find models/simulations in various applications/subject areas on the web…

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Has your teaching changed?

• “I now actively try to find models and simulations of difficult concepts…”

• “I seek out & modify materials & look for add-ons to the ones I made.”

• “My teaching is more current and more details have gone into teaching concepts for my students. Students are more engaged in learning.”

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What next?

http://mvhs.shodor.org/activities/CAST/IntroOutline.html

A series of 12 modules available online:

Tools: Excelets Vensim

Agent Sheets

Introduction to Computational Reasoning

Field test at CAST 2011 Workshop!

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More info…

Scott Sinex - ssinex@pgcc.edu

For over 150 pre-build interactive spreadsheets:http://academic.pgcc.edu/~ssinex/excelets

Thanks to Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center and the Maryland Virtual High School: Susan Ragan, Cheryl Begandy, Charlotte Trout, and

Mark Perry, and the CAST participants!

Thanks for attending!!!

…and Mark Clemente for the invitation!

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How did I get started?

• 1995 – MVHS Stella workshop (free player) could teach kinetics and equilibrium in a dynamic fashion

• 2004? – Stella player dropped by company – shifted models to Excel

• Today – all Excel (Stella helps in developing)

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