Implementing inquiry based computational modeling curriculum in the secondary science classroom

Better visualization of micro-level structures and processes can greatly enhance student understanding of key biological functions such as the central dogma. Previous research has demonstrated a need of introducing novel methods to increase student understanding of these concepts. The intention of...

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Main Author: Moldenhauer, Theodore Gerald 1970-
Format: Others
Published: 2014
Subjects:
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/2152/26629
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spelling ndltd-UTEXAS-oai-repositories.lib.utexas.edu-2152-266292015-09-20T17:27:40ZImplementing inquiry based computational modeling curriculum in the secondary science classroomMoldenhauer, Theodore Gerald 1970-Molecular modelingCentral-dogmaSecondary science educationComputational modeling programsBetter visualization of micro-level structures and processes can greatly enhance student understanding of key biological functions such as the central dogma. Previous research has demonstrated a need of introducing novel methods to increase student understanding of these concepts. The intention of this report is to show how computational modeling programs (CMPs) can be successfully used as an innovative method of teaching biology concepts that occur at a molecular level. The use of computers and web-based lessons are not new topics in secondary education studies but there is not an abundance of research related to computational modeling alone. We began by researching the many studies that have already indicated the benefits of using computers in the classroom with an emphasis on CMPs and simulations. Of these, we focused mostly on the ones that showed increased student engagement and influenced understanding of core science concepts. Based on the literature reviewed, a framework for curriculum designed around CMPs is proposed. Lastly, a model lesson is discussed to provide an example of how these professional grade tools can be employed in the classroom. This report provides a basis for the continued development of constructivist curriculum built around the use of professional grade computational tools in secondary science classrooms.text2014-10-16T19:30:45Z2012-082014-10-16August 20122014-10-16T19:30:46ZThesisapplication/pdfhttp://hdl.handle.net/2152/26629
collection NDLTD
format Others
sources NDLTD
topic Molecular modeling
Central-dogma
Secondary science education
Computational modeling programs
spellingShingle Molecular modeling
Central-dogma
Secondary science education
Computational modeling programs
Moldenhauer, Theodore Gerald 1970-
Implementing inquiry based computational modeling curriculum in the secondary science classroom
description Better visualization of micro-level structures and processes can greatly enhance student understanding of key biological functions such as the central dogma. Previous research has demonstrated a need of introducing novel methods to increase student understanding of these concepts. The intention of this report is to show how computational modeling programs (CMPs) can be successfully used as an innovative method of teaching biology concepts that occur at a molecular level. The use of computers and web-based lessons are not new topics in secondary education studies but there is not an abundance of research related to computational modeling alone. We began by researching the many studies that have already indicated the benefits of using computers in the classroom with an emphasis on CMPs and simulations. Of these, we focused mostly on the ones that showed increased student engagement and influenced understanding of core science concepts. Based on the literature reviewed, a framework for curriculum designed around CMPs is proposed. Lastly, a model lesson is discussed to provide an example of how these professional grade tools can be employed in the classroom. This report provides a basis for the continued development of constructivist curriculum built around the use of professional grade computational tools in secondary science classrooms. === text
author Moldenhauer, Theodore Gerald 1970-
author_facet Moldenhauer, Theodore Gerald 1970-
author_sort Moldenhauer, Theodore Gerald 1970-
title Implementing inquiry based computational modeling curriculum in the secondary science classroom
title_short Implementing inquiry based computational modeling curriculum in the secondary science classroom
title_full Implementing inquiry based computational modeling curriculum in the secondary science classroom
title_fullStr Implementing inquiry based computational modeling curriculum in the secondary science classroom
title_full_unstemmed Implementing inquiry based computational modeling curriculum in the secondary science classroom
title_sort implementing inquiry based computational modeling curriculum in the secondary science classroom
publishDate 2014
url http://hdl.handle.net/2152/26629
work_keys_str_mv AT moldenhauertheodoregerald1970 implementinginquirybasedcomputationalmodelingcurriculuminthesecondaryscienceclassroom
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