Evaluating the effectiveness of simulation-based instruction about water resources in the middle school science classroom

Authors

Krystyna Anne Stave, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow
L. Upham, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Stephanie Fincher, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow
Kimberly A. Barchard, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

7-2003

Publication Title

21st International Conference of the System Dynamics Society

Publisher

System Dynamics Society

Abstract

This poster describes research comparing the effect of system dynamics-based instruction versus traditional teacher-directed instruction about water management in 6th grade science classes. The study tests the hypothesis that learner use of a simulation model promotes greater understanding and better retention of the material than a teacher-led presentation of the same material. Approximately 180 sixth grade students from a Middle School in Las Vegas, NV participated in the study. Half received the same introduction followed by a session in which students used a simulation model to explore the issues on their own. Both groups were given a pre-test, a test immediately following the instruction, and another test approximately one month after the instruction. This poster discusses the results of the study.

Keywords

Instructional systems; Lecture method in teaching; Middle school teaching; Science – Study and teaching (Middle school); System analysis; System theory; Teaching; Water resource management – Study and teaching (Middle school) – Simulation methods

Disciplines

Curriculum and Instruction | Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research | Environmental Sciences | Junior High, Intermediate, Middle School Education and Teaching | Science and Mathematics Education | Water Resource Management

Language

English

Comments

Conference held in New York City, New York from July 20- July 24.

Permissions

Use Find in Your Library, contact the author, or use interlibrary loan to garner a copy of the article. Publisher copyright policy allows author to archive post-print (author’s final manuscript). When post-print is available or publisher policy changes, the article will be deposited

Repository Citation

Stave, K. A., Upham, L., Fincher, S., Barchard, K. A. (2003). Evaluating the effectiveness of simulation-based instruction about water resources in the middle school science classroom. 21st International Conference of the System Dynamics Society System Dynamics Society.
https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/sea_fac_articles/212