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NSDL/NSTA Web Seminar:
Learning By Doing—Computational Science
http://nsdl.org
http://institute.nsta.org/web_seminars.asp
http://nsdl.org
• Access to large collections of simulations
and interactives
• Resources for 21st century learning skills
CSERD: NSDL Computational Science Pathway
What is Computational
Science?
Computational Science…
uses models to demonstrate
and visualize concepts
New Moon?
Full Moon?
Computational Science…
uses real-life situations to teach
inquiry-based math and science concepts
Estimator: The number of stars is greater or less than 340
Greater than 340?
Less than 340?
Computational Science…
helps students learn how to use technology
to solve problems
Topples
Stands
Computational Science…
uses interactive tools to observe and
analyze data
Computational Science Education
Reference Desk (CSERD)
http://cserd.nsdl.org
Interactive
Activities
Lesson
Plans
Discussions
Suggestions
& Help
Novice
Intermediate
Advanced
Skill level with use of
technology in classroom?
Combine math and science
together in your curriculum?
Rarely to
Never
Occasionally
On a regular
basis
Modern science and mathematics
are more concerned with
pattern recognition and
characterization
than with mere
symbol manipulation.
Recognition
The pahomnnehil pweor of the hmuan mnid.
Aoccdrnig to a rehcaseerr at Cmabirdge
Uinervtisy, it deosn’t mttaer in waht oredr the
ltteers in a wrod are, the olny imprmoetnt tihng
is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit
pclae. The rset can be a total mses and you
can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is
bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey
lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a whlohe.
Anizamg huh?
Characterization
Rabbits and Wolves: Population Dynamics
Symbol Manipulation
http://www.shodor.org/interactivate
• 100+ interactive math based activities
• Lesson plans
• Discussions
• Worksheets
• Open-ended explorations
• Dictionary
• Standards alignments
Given: If 1 tree is on fire there is a 100%
probability that the tree next to it will catch.
Predict: How much of
the forest will burn?
Exactly 0%
0%-50%
50%-100%
Exactly 100%
Given: If 1 tree is on fire there is a 0%
probability that the tree next to it will catch.
Predict: How much of
the forest will burn?
Exactly 0%
0%-50%
50%-100%
Exactly 100%
As a scatter plot our data looks like:
Data Points
0, 0
1, 100
Interactivate’s Scatter Plot Activity
Poll Question:
Given: If 1 tree is on
fire there is a 50%
probability that the tree
next to it will catch.
Predict: How much
of the forest will
burn?
You try it!
We will now take you to this link:
http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/Fire
Try using the Fire! Interactive
a few times on your own
We will bring you back in 3
minutes… ask for help by pushing
*6 if you need it!
Data from 10 Burns at
50% Probability of Burn
Trial #
1
2
% Burned
1%
27%
Trial #
6
7
% Burned
44%
69%
3
4
5
54%
65%
41%
8
9
10
43%
60%
45%
MEAN from 10 trials: ~45%
As a scatter plot our data looks like:
Red Data Points
(0, 0)
(1, 100)
Blue Data Points
(0, 0)
(0.5, 45)
(1, 100)
Hmm… How could
we find the overall
pattern?
Interactivate’s Scatter Plot
Activity
Recognizing the Pattern
Resulting
graph in green
from averaging
10 burns at
each of the
following
probabilities:
0, 0.1, 0.2,
0.3, 0.4, 0.5,
0.6, 0.7, 0.8,
0.9, 1
Would you have predicted that
pattern?
• Computers help us to model and
simulate real world phenomena so we
can better understand the world
around us.
The model is only as good as the design.
How does the Fire!! model relate to the
real world and how does it not?
Possible Content Addressed:
Science
•Experimental Design
•Experimental Control
•Independent and
Dependent Variables
•Conjecture and
Hypothesis
•Chaos
Mathematics
•Fractions / Percents
•Scatter Plots,
•Graphing Coordinate
Pairs
•Reading / Interpreting
Graphs
•Mean / Average
•Probability
•Randomness
More Robust Models
Interactivate’s Directable Fire!!
(not pictured)
Interactivate’s A Better Fire!!
(pictured below)
Go to http://nsdl.org and click
on the K-12 audience page
Download this seminar’s
annotated module for
resources from this
seminar and more!
http://nsdl.org
http://cserd.nsdl.org
Patricia Jacobs
pjacobs@shodor.org
Bethany Hudnutt
bhudnutt@shodor.org
Robert Payo
rpayo@nsdl.ucar.org
THANK
YOU!
National Science Teachers Association
Gerry Wheeler, Executive Director
Frank Owens, Associate Executive Director
Conferences and Programs
Al Byers, Assistant Executive Director e-Learning
NSTA Web Seminars
Flavio Mendez, Program Manager
Jeff Layman, Technical Coordinator
Judith Lopes, Administrative Assistant
Susan Hurstcalderone, Volunteer Chat Moderator
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