1. Scott A. Sinex Prince George’s Community College
Computational Reasoning for Novice Learners: The Amazing Power of Animated Interactive Spreadsheets
Scott A. Sinex
Prince George’s Community College
Undergraduate Computational Engineering and Sciences
Program Finalists’ Presentations at SC10, November 2010
SC 10 UCES Award

2. Low-end of the computational food chain
Teragrid
Supercomputers
Computer programming
Spreadsheets
Amazing power!!!
SC 10 UCES Award

3. Why interactive spreadsheets?
Easy access for students and teachers and useful for them to know
Easy for instructors to develop – see Developer’s Guide to Excelets
Creates an engaging pedagogy in math and the sciences

4. …more why?
Addresses topics conceptually, while camouflaging mathematics
Students have to think:
predict - test - analyze
Allows for mathematical modeling and studying errors
More science process
Mathematics resurfaces!!!!

5. computational pipeline
…and just maybe
Computational spreadsheets
computational pipeline

6. Measure and build a mathematical model
Experiment  model  simulation

7. Develop an understanding of the model
The physical and mathematical models

8. Examine possible errors in the model
Explore the influence of a variety of random and systematic errors

9. Burning a virtual candle model
Simulation  model  error

10. Changing the approach
Examine the model in a different way

11. Radiocarbon and age dating
Macroscopic and microscopic views

12. The systems modeling approach
Systems model of production in atmosphere and radioactive decay

13. All Student Survey results
Student feedback…
Which do you prefer: Spring 07 Spring 09
static graphs in textbook 21% (6) 7% (2)
dynamic graphs in Excel 76% (22) 89% (25)
both 3% (1) 4% (1)
Using Excelets does not require that you be familiar with Excel.
most definitely 7% (2) 25% (7)
I think so 38% (11) 36% (10)
just barely 34% (10) 32% (9)
not at all 14% (4) 7% (2)
don’t know 7% (2)
All Student Survey results

14. more feedback…
Excelets offer a more visual experience with graphs instead of using just the mathematical equations.
most definitely 66% (19) 75% (21)
I think so 24% (7) 14% (4)
just barely % (3) 11% (3)
not at all
don’t know
Excelets make it easier to grasp or learn a concept.
most definitely 55% (16) 43% (12)
I think so 31% (9) 54% (15)
just barely % (4) 4% (1)

15. 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.

16. Resource list for mathematics and science
The “How to” resources...
Developer's Guide to Excelets: Dynamic and Interactive Visualization with "Javaless" Applets or Interactive Excel Spreadsheets
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Tutorial, instructions, and a variety of interactive Excel spreadsheet examples
Resource list for mathematics and science
SC 10 UCES Award

17. My sincere thanks SC10 and the UCES 2010 award committee
My colleagues at
Support from NSF for
Maryland Virtual High School

18. excelets