Open Source Energy Simulation for Elementary School

TL;DR

This study explores how a customized open source energy simulation, combined with guided inquiry, can enhance elementary students' understanding of energy concepts through a case study approach.

Contribution

It introduces a modified open source energy simulation tailored for elementary education, integrating guided inquiry to improve conceptual understanding.

Findings

Initial teacher feedback on the modified simulation is encouraging.

The study aims to assess the impact of the guided inquiry lesson package on student understanding.

The research employs a case study methodology in elementary classrooms.

Abstract

With the interactivity and multiple representation features, computer simulations lend itself to the guided inquiry learning. However, these simulations are usually designed for post-elementary students. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate how the use of guided inquiry approach with customized energy simulation can improve students' understanding of this topic. In this ongoing research, the case study is adopted. In the first phase of the study, we have modified open source energy simulation based on principles for reducing extraneous processing, existing energy simulation and guided inquiry approach. The modified simulation is sent to teachers for evaluation and the feedback is encouraging. In the next phase of the study, the guided inquiry lesson package involving the energy simulation would be designed and deployed in an elementary classroom. Multiple data sources would be collected to seek a deeper understanding on how this learning package can possibly impact students' understanding of the physics concepts.