Powersim use in Compex & Concept-Activity-Context Approach

1. René Westra PCC Alkmaar NLUse of a graphic modelling computer tool in modern biology upper secondary education Powersim use in Compex & Concept-Activity-Context Approach Rene Westra NL Grenoble 3 April 2007

2. Content • Powersim modelling tool • Use in classroom: • Compex central examination experiment • Concept-Activity-Context approach Rene Westra NL Grenoble 3 April 2007

3. Powersim 1 Modelling Rene Westra NL Grenoble 3 April 2007

4. Powersim 2 Modelling complexity Complexity is one of the intriguing and fascinating aspects of Nature. But to understand some observed phenomena, we need to make abstraction of part of this complexity and concentrate on the main processes. From my first contact with modelling, I learnt that complex behaviour can emerge from the combination of very simple processes. Since then, my emphasis has been on mathematical modelling as it helps in conceptualizing ideas and hypotheses; models are for me a second laboratory that gives access to the main mechanisms involved in the observed biological system… And this tight exchange between theory and experience is also an exciting way to test and validate hypotheses. Dr. Sophie Rabouille, NIOO Yerseke Rene Westra NL Grenoble 3 April 2007

5. Powersim 3Graphic modelling tool Rene Westra NL Grenoble 3 April 2007

6. Compex • Experiment in the Netherlands • Use of the computer as a source of information in central examination • Video • Animations • Modelling (combined with video) Rene Westra NL Grenoble 3 April 2007

7. Compex Rene Westra NL Grenoble 3 April 2007

8. Scientific practice modelling ecosystem Concept-Activity-Context Rene Westra NL Grenoble 3 April 2007

9. Context-Activity-Concept Rene Westra NL Grenoble 3 April 2007

10. The end Any questions? Thank you very much for your attention! Rene Westra NL Grenoble 3 April 2007