Nature science simulation project for Estonian high schools Urmas Tokko, Science Didatics Department of Tartu University, teacher of Tartu Tamme Gymnasium

Background of the project Internet based simulations in Estonia since Simulation projects in Estonia every year on different subjects. Organisers of current nature science simu-project working third year, different scenario for each year. (

Theoretical background Simulation project is one way of distance learning (Tele-learning) for pupils. Projects like that base on different methods of active leaning: using elements of problem-based learning, group-work and other methods to develop student's high order thinking levels.

Advantages of Tele- learning, 1. Individual learning speed, development of student's responsibility. Student-centred education, teachers like supervisors (cognitivism). Integration of subjects in reality.

Interaction with large amount of contemporaries and specialists Learning things one wouldn’t learn otherwise (not exactly in school curricula). Group-work, appropriate tasks for every participant. Advantages of Tele- learning, 2.

Disadvantages of Tele- learning Insufficient development of some communication skills of students. Higher motivation as an assumption to participate. More possibilities to waste time.

Dowel 4 - management financed by Tiger Leap program; about 24 schools participating; access from every school needed; teacher + group of students (3-15); manual sent to every group; organisers: regular tasks, analyses;

Dowel 4 - scenario Presentation of group. Simulation “Organs’ life”. Simulation “Bioethics and cultural background”. Web-based quiz. Practical science - short investigation. Gathering together: first for teachers, later for all participants.

Group presentation Persons School Settlement Environmental activities Access to computers

Simulation No 1 “The organs’ life”, roles Different organ systems of human body: respiratory system; circulatory system; nervous system; skeleton; etc., two groups per one role.

Description of role - Web pages Web-pages for organ systems: –structure –functioning –pathology –illustrations –links useful public studying material.

Decision making: Pregnancy Initial state: 4 month pregnancy + short description of 17-year old lady’s lifestyle. Tasks: Describe “your” changes Ask from others, what you need. Inform, what was asked from you.

Simulation roles: representatives of different religions, nations, movements. Examples: Hippies. American Indians, Incas new religions of 20th century. Fenno-Ugric people,18th cent. Australian aborigines, etc. “Bioethics and cultural background”

Decision making Solving given situations, arguing, giving reasons. middle-aged man on tight situation after accident; young lady pregnant from mistress; family planning;

Web-based quiz One busy day (morning/evening). Special web-environment: possibility to interact, send and get hints. Special evolutionary scale and algorithm for scoring.

Practical science Short investigation of founded thing/material in a certain place. Compiling a chemical-physical description of that. Figure-out Game: guessing what have been found by other groups.

End of the project Workshop for teachers: lectures, visiting research centers, discussion Gatherings together of all participants: educational and entertainment activities Debriefing