Model
What: Modeling software programs allow students to design and create models of complex systems such as epidemics, Newtonian motion, and climate change.
Why: Science teachers use various modeling software tools in their teaching. One modeling software program commonly used in science classrooms is Logo. The latest Logo software version, StarLogo, provides many activities for students to enhance their understanding of dynamic systems and also abstract concepts such as ecology and evolution. Students improve their problem solving skills through writing their own models with StarLogo.
Model-ItTM is another software package that allows students to create models of complex science systems. While using this software, students plan, build, and test their models depending on their specific research questions. In their models, students can include multiple variables and test the relationships among these variables.
Research: Research demonstrates through modeling complex and dynamic systems students not only increase their learning of specific science content knowledge but also develop general processes skills such as inquiry, problem solving and creative thinking (Klopfer et al., 2009). Students also show high level of interest in learning science when interacting with models.
Best Practices: Modeling activities can be completed as small group projects. Based on students' previous experiences with computer applications, students might need some guidance when designing models. To teach the modeling process, have students start out by creating an initial simple model with few variables, and then modify with more variables to represent the complexity of the phenomena. This represents how models are built.
Example: Model-ItTM software allows students to design a model that represents the water quality in a stream system. As the students begin their work, they may build their model with a stream and one factory. Once the representation is clear for the students they will then start to explore adding trees and vegetation to the system as new variables. As the students understand the model, continue to add variables to reach the complexity you wish students to represent with their model. The Model-It software fosters collaboration among students as they design their models, discuss their models with their peers and then evaluate their models.