Benefits of Using Simulations In the Journal of Science Education and Technology, there was an article about the emerging use of simulations. Granted the article was written in 2007, Barab and Dede brought up some valuable points.
Simulations provide learning beyond the four walls of the classroom. It connects students to the outside world and provides an opportunity for inquiry. Students are more likely to engage when it is student focused and not teacher focused. Now, simulations shouldn't be used for every lesson every time but they should be used frequently! Citation: Barab, S., & Dede, C. (2007). Games and Immersive Participatory Simulations for Science Education: An Emerging Type of Curricula. Journal of Science Education and Technology J Sci Educ Technol, 16(1), 1-3. I have found several simulations I think enhance student learning. When searching for lesson activities, I try to find engaging, informative, and creative simulations I believe students would like to be doing. If I don't like doing it, it is very likely my students won't either. This is something I think all teachers should do when preparing their lessons. Teachers need to put themselves in the mindset of the student. They should focus on making the lessons enjoyable for the students and in return they will be enjoyable for the teacher as well, that's what makes coming into work exciting! Blood Typing Simulation
Blood Spatter Simulation
http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/legacy/plate-tectonics This simulation is an incredible way for students to create mountains, oceans, etc. I believe students would enjoy making mountains and oceans on their own because it takes a large scale picture and brings it to their computers so students can understand the concept. Students can understand the compositions, thickness, temperature, and density of the different layers of the earth. The only issue with this simulation is that it requires Windows. Follow Up Activity
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AuthorAnna Kirkpatrick www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/kirkpatrickscience
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January 2019
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