1. Modeling + Simulating + Visualizing  Engaging + Discovering + Thinking Scott A. Sinex How do you get this process into the classroom? October 13–15, 2010 Hampton, Virginia Moving MODSIM into the Classroom Panel

2. A program in western PA… (high school teachers in three summer plus follow-up workshops (2006-2008) 2 Maryland Virtual High School Computation and Science Teachers (CAST) Workshops http://www.psc.edu/eot/k12/cast.php

3. simulation  find the ideal model  add error to data In the real world… In the educator’s world… develop a multivariable approach for an investigation 3

4. 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! 4

5. test analyze predict and explain ! In the classroom: What if… ? 5

6. Start simple!!!!!!!!! Experimental data -----> models with r 2 ~ 1 - Stack Height of Cookies - Stacking of Nested Styrofoam Cups - Burning the Virtual Candle http://academic.pgcc.edu/~ssinex/excelets 6

7. 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

8. 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… 8

9. 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.” 9

10. 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! 10

11. More info… Scott Sinex - ssinex@pgcc.edussinex@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! 11

12. 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) 12