Models, Demonstrations, Labs & Other Tools

1. Models, Demonstrations, Labs & Other Tools

2. In Science education what are models? • Visual learning aids • Interactive learning aids • Mentoring by example • Exemplars/rubrics (models outcomes desired) • Objects that explain science • Representations • Similies • Metaphors

3. In Science education what are demonstrations? • Science experiments to class • Field trips • An introduction to a unit etc. • Showing or presenting ideas, facts, etc. to students

4. In Science education what are labs? • Real hands-on learning • Opportunity to do experiments, investigations, research, etc • A model of science in the work force • Opportunity for Inquiry and construction of knowledge • Opportunity for social learning

5. What types of models are there in science education? • Visual models • Scale model • Graphic models (diagramatic, 3-D images, computer apps, etc.) • Graphs • Mathematical models • Theoretical / conceptual • Psychological representation of real or imaginary things • M

6. What is the purpose of models in science education? • To increase understanding • Task different learning styles of the students • Help make connections to prior knowledge • Makes science more engaging • Makes information/ideas accessible • Exemplars of target outcome • Encourages creative thinking (?) • Can be uased in a constructivist manner • Can be used as an assessment tool

7. What types of demonstrations are there in science education? • Visual / audio • Interactive software • Experiments • Safety • Expressed models • Procedural

8. What is the purpose of demonstrations in science education? • Spark interest and curiosity • Same as models • Validate teachers authority with a subject or concept

9. What types of labs are there in science education? • All are “Hands-On” • Representational • Investigative • Inquiry-based

10. What is the purpose of labs in science education? • Authenticate understanding • Same as models • Gain an appreciation for the science • Opportunity to discover for themselves • Makes science real! • Opportunity to develop skills

11. What are some potential pitfalls with models, demonstrations and labs? • Students may lose sight of teachers desired objective • Behaviour issues • Safety issues • Students may embrace the model as truth rather than a representation of the truth

12. In-Class Activity: • Briefly develop the following: • F’cton & area - A model that can be used in grade 1 to sufficiently cover outcome 1.2.1 • Elsi & area - A demonstration that can be used in grade 3 to sufficiently cover outcome100-38b. • Listi & area - A lab that can be used in grade 5 to sufficiently cover outcome301-11. • -Use your own judgment as to where you belong

14. My demonstration of a pendulum, which could be easily converted into a lab

15. Curriculum Outcomes that Pendulum activity covers: 106-4 describe instances in which scientific ideas and discoveries have led to new inventions and applications 204-1 propose questions to investigate and practical problems to solve 204-3 state a prediction and a hypothesis based on an observed pattern of events 204-5 identify and control major variables in their investigations 204-7 plan steps to solve a practical problem and to carry out a fair test of a science-related idea

16. What other tools can you think of that would achieve the same effect as models, demonstrations and labs?