Research digest: This short paper links open-source model design to inquiry learning. It is especially useful for turning a simulation from a demonstration into an investigation.
Classroom use: Begin with a question, let students vary one key input, and require a claim supported by model evidence.
Paper: arXiv:1210.3412
Authors: Loo Kang Wee, Sze Yee Lye
Publication: ICCE 2012 Interactive Event
Theme: Open source computer models for inquiry
What teachers can take from this
This short paper links open-source model design to inquiry learning. It is especially useful for turning a simulation from a demonstration into an investigation.
Use it tomorrow
Begin with a question, let students vary one key input, and require a claim supported by model evidence.
Pedagogical move
Avoid overloading the interface. A good inquiry model makes one relationship clear enough for students to test.
Good discussion prompts
- What evidence does the model, video, or activity make visible?
- Which variable should students change first, and what should they keep constant?
- What claim can students make from the evidence, and what limitation should they acknowledge?