Fulbright Teacher Exchange Orientation Program
July 31 - August 4, 2000

Simulations and Computer Models in the Classroom

Tom O'Haver, Professor Emeritus
The University of Maryland at College Park
http://www.wam.umd.edu/~toh
to2@umail.umd.edu

(http://www.wam.umd.edu/~toh/simulations.html)

Simulation: "...techniques which aim to provide the student with a highly simplified reproduction of part of a real or imaginary world".
van Ments, M., The Effective Use of Role Play: A Handbook for Teachers & Trainers. Revised ed. 1989, New York: Nichols Publishing. 186.

"...the aim is to recreate or represent in a limited time in the classroom particular situations which exist in the world outside...often using a computer program which incorporates the model on which the simulation is based.
Reynolds, M. (1994) Groupwork in Education and Training Ideas in Practice, London: Kogan Page, pp18-19.

Simulations are "...one of the most effective ways to promote deep conceptual understanding of the real world".
Peter Miller, Christina Smart, and Jacqui Nicol, Economics Centre of the Learning and Teaching Support Network (UK)
http://econltsn.ilrt.bris.ac.uk/advice/simulati.htm

"Placing a student in a simulated environment means they become involved. They view their experiences in a personal way.... From this they gain an attachment that can be shaped into a true learning experience.
Rick Effland, Maricopa Community College
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/labyforum/Sum95/sum95L5.html

Simulations can be a powerful education tool. The problem is that using simulations in education is different from "reality" and that simulations effect the user.
Kevin Cox, Simulations in Education, Web Tools Newsletter, 30th July 1999
http://www.dco.cityu.edu.hk/tools/newslett/simulati.htm

However, research has shown that:

Examples of Classroom Applications of Simulations

Seeing Through Computers: Education in a Culture of Simulation (Sherry Turkle)
http://www.prospect.org/archives/31/31turkfs.html

Using Microcomputer Based Labs and Simulations in High School Science
http://www.bishops.ntc.nf.ca/rriche/ed6620/microcomputer.html

A Look at Computer Gaming Environments for Solid Instructional Strategies
http://mason.gmu.edu/~dbliton/Cannon/705_1a.htm

Computer Technology: Effectiveness in Enhancing Problem Solving Skills and Domain-Specific Concepts
http://www.gsu.edu/~gs02sdr/PROJECT.html

Simulation Training Systems: Articles on Simulations
http://www.stsintl.com/articles/

GenScope, multilevel genetics simulation for middle and secondary school
http://genscope.concord.org

Games and Simulations for Learning: Software evaluations
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/labyforum/Sum95/sum95L2.html

Simulations for Anthropology: Faculty and Student Views
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/labyforum/Sum95/sum95L5.html

Project S.I.M.
http://members.aol.com/kcstarguy/sim/

ThinkerTools Simulation Software
http://thinkertools.berkeley.edu:7019/simulate.html

Logal Simulation Library
http://www.riverdeep.net/html/simlibrary_page.html

Great Buildings Online (3D architectural modeling)
http://www.greatbuildings.com/

Stella models in science
http://sysdyn.mit.edu/cle/lom_science.html

WebQuest: Using WWW & Interactive Simulation Games in the Classroom
http://www.firstmonday.dk/issues/issue5/perrone/index.html

Cocoa (presentation/simulation authoring program for kids, formerly called "KidSim")
http://www.crosswinds.net/orlando/~redbird/cocoa/index.html

Chem lab simulation
http://modelscience.com/index.html

Flip Site (coin flipping simulation)
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/mobius/flip/

CarSim (automobile braking and suspension simulation)
http://www.trucksim.com/carsimed/index.html

EnzymeTA: What is the relationship between temperature and the activity of enzymes?
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/mobius/enzyme/

Project Java (Earth Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry)
http://www.journey.sunysb.edu/ProjectJava/home.html

Physics and astronomy interactive Web-based simulations
http://www.sweethome.de/giesen/welcomeEnglish.html

NTNU Virtual Physics Laboratory
http://didaktik.physik.uni-wuerzburg.de/~pkrahmer/ntnujava/index.html

Interactive Simulations of Basic Electronic and Operational Amplifier Circuits
http://www.inform.umd.edu/EdRes/Topic/Chemistry/ChemConference/Software/ElectroSim/

Interactive Computer Models for Analytical Chemistry Instruction
http://www.inform.umd.edu/EdRes/Topic/Chemistry/ChemConference/Software/Spreadsheets/WWW/

Crocodile Clips, simulations software for teaching physics, chemistry, and technology.
http://www.crocodile-clips.com/corpindex.htm

Physics simulations for Macintosh
http://www.kagi.com/pelletier

RasMol freeware molecular modeling software
http://klaatu.oit.umass.edu/microbio/rasmol/

SoundView (realtime sound visualization program for Macintosh)
http://www.physics.swri.edu/SoundView/SoundView.html

Civilization II simulation game
http://www.wizworks.com/macsoft/civ2/civ2_01.html
http://www.lilback.com/civilization/
http://civilization.gamestats.com/

Westward HO!, online simulated wagon train journey to the American West
http://www.internet-catalyst.org/projects/WWHO/wwho.html

Oregon Trail II, wagon train simulation computer game (Win/Mac)
http://www.cdromhouse.com/products/oregontr2.html

Widget Workshop, scientist-inventor laboratory simulation game
http://www.cdromhouse.com/products/widgetworkshop.html

This page is maintained by Prof. Tom O'Haver , Professor Emeritus, The University of Maryland at College Park. Comments, suggestions and questions should be directed to Prof. O'Haver at to2@umail.umd.edu.