Title: The Cocoa Microworld as an environment for developing modelling skills in physical science

Authors: C. P. Constantinou

Addresses: Department of Education, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 537, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus

Abstract: The development of the ability to construct models can provide a backbone structure of transferable skills that can aid learning in the physical sciences. In this paper, we present a process of modelling for middle school grades and we discuss modelling skills as a context for supporting the construction of meaningful knowledge by learners in physical sciences. We also present the application of this process to a middle-school science classroom studying the formation of shadows and images. In this context, we report on the use of student-constructed Cocoa Microworlds as models of physical phenomena in an authentic middle-school classroom environment and discuss the implications of computer-based tools for teaching and learning in physical sciences.

Keywords: learning; physical sciences; Cocoa Microworlds; modelling skills; light; optics.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCEELL.1999.030149

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 1999 Vol.9 No.3/4, pp.201 - 209

Published online: 11 Dec 2009 *

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