caa a22 4500 469127775 CHVBK 20180323133155.0 cr unu---uuuuu 170328e19920301xx s 000 0 eng 10.1007/BF00700244 doi (NATIONALLICENCE)springer-10.1007/BF00700244 Computer simulations in the science classroom [Elektronische Daten] [John Richards, William Barowy, Dov Levin] In this paper we describe software for science instruction that is based upon a constructivist epistemology of learning. From a constructivist perspective, the process of learning is viewed as an active construction of knowledge, rather than a passive reception of information. The computer has the potential to provide an environment in which students can explore their understanding and better construct scientific knowledge. TheExplorer is an interactive environment that integrates animated computer models with analytic capabilities for learning and teaching science. The system include graphs, a spreadsheet, scripting, and interactive tools. During formative evaluation ofExplorer in the classroom, we have focused on learning the function and effectiveness of computer models in teaching science. Models have helped students relate theory to experiment when used in conjunction with hands-on activities and when the simulation addressed students' naive understanding of the phenomena. Two classroom examples illustrate our findings. The first is based on the dynamics of colliding objects. The second describes a class modeling the function of simple electric circuits. The simulations bridge between phenomena and theory by providing an abstract representation on which students may make measurements. Simulations based on scientific theory help to provide a set of interrelated experiences that challenge students' informal understanding of the science. Plenum Publishing Corporation, 1992 Scientific models nationallicence computer simulations nationallicence science education nationallicence Richards John Educational Technology Department, BBN Labs, Cambridge, Massachusetts aut Barowy William Educational Technology Department, BBN Labs, Cambridge, Massachusetts aut Levin Dov Logal Educational Software, Kiryat Shmona, Israel aut Journal of Science Education and Technology Kluwer Academic Publishers-Plenum Publishers 1/1(1992-03-01), 67-79 1059-0145 1:1<67 1992 1 10956 https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00700244 text/html Onlinezugriff via DOI 1 research-article jats NATIONALLICENCE 856 40 https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00700244 text/html Onlinezugriff via DOI NATIONALLICENCE 700 1- Richards John Educational Technology Department, BBN Labs, Cambridge, Massachusetts aut NATIONALLICENCE 700 1- Barowy William Educational Technology Department, BBN Labs, Cambridge, Massachusetts aut NATIONALLICENCE 700 1- Levin Dov Logal Educational Software, Kiryat Shmona, Israel aut NATIONALLICENCE 773 0- Journal of Science Education and Technology Kluwer Academic Publishers-Plenum Publishers 1/1(1992-03-01), 67-79 1059-0145 1:1<67 1992 1 10956 Metadata rights reserved Springer special CC-BY-NC licence nationallicence BK010053 XK010053 XK010000 NATIONALLICENCE NATIONALLICENCE NL-springer