PERC 2012 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: | Integrating Numerical Computation in the Modeling Instruction Curriculum |
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| Abstract: | Numerical computation (the use of a computer to solve, simulate, or visualize a physical problem) has fundamentally changed the way scientific research is done. By learning to use numerical computation, students acquire a familiarity with the tools of modern scientists and engineers. As a complement to laboratory-constructed observations, numerical computation allows students to further explore their real-world by creating computational models of physical phenomenon. These computational models can highlight the relationship between the different physics models presented in the Modeling Instruction program (no forces, balanced forces, unbalanced forces, et cetera). We have just completed our second year teaching 9th grade students to use the VPython programming environment in a classroom that uses the Modeling Instruction curriculum. We will describe the various successes and challenges as well as the future direction of this initiative. |
| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster Presentation |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
John M. Aiken Georgia State University 3736 Gloucester Drive Tucker, GA 30084 Phone: 6786973181 |
| Co-Author(s) and Co-Presenter(s) |
Marcos D. Caballero University of Colorado Boulder John B. Burk St. Andrews Academy Scott S. Douglas Georgia Institute of Technology Michael F. Schatz Georgia Institute of Technology Erin M. Scanlon Georgia Institute of Technology Brian D. Thoms Georgia State University |
