Computational Reasoning in High School Science and Mathematics
Module 1
3 hours
Overarching Goal: Understand that computer models require the merging of
mathematics and science.
1. Understand how computational reasoning can be infused into teaching.
2. Develop a working definition of computational reasoning.
3. Recognize the importance of graph interpretation skills in understanding
model behavior.
4. Recognize that probability and random numbers are important mathematical
ideas that can be modeled using tools of computational reasoning.
5. Understand that probability can be used to simulate real-world phenomena
and make predictions.
Agenda:
1. Why computational reasoning?
2. Probability – theoretical vs. real-world behavior
3. Probability in an agent-based model
4. Probability in a systems-based model
5. Analysis of model output via graphs
6. Comparison of agent-based and systems-based models
7. Curriculum applications
Needed resources:
1. Intro Power Point
2. Computer with projection capabilities, internet access with Java-enabled
browser, Power Point, Excel, and Vensim
3. A handful of coins
4. Chart paper and markers for posting goals
5. Computers for participants with internet access with Java-enabled browser,
Excel, and Vensim
6. Powerpoint handouts with 3 slides to a page
7. Flipping Pennies handout
8. Flipping Pennies Excel file
9. Forest Fire Data Analysis handout
10. Forest Fire Inquiry handout
11. ForestFire.mdl file
CAST Introductory Module Outline: Introduction to Computational Reasoning
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