Designing Robust Science Instruction: A Model for Thermodynamics

这项调查将测试和完善基于当前学习和教学研究的“稳健科学教学”模型，并将设计和完善有前途的热力学教学活动和技术工具。所提出的科学教学方法的一个关键特征是使用动态模拟和实时数据收集来帮助中学生（7-8年级）分析自然发生的与热和温度有关的问题。该方法有四个主要组成部分。首先，这些研究者建议在专家解释的基础上确定并教授适当的、定性的热力学解释。其次，他们建议为麦金塔创建并完善动态模拟，并让学生参与分析自然发生的问题。第三，他们打算帮助中学生和大学生整合信息，通过在课堂上创建一个“学者社区”，让学生参与预测结果，帮助教师模拟复杂的问题解决技术，并激励学生为大量事件寻求一些解释原则。第四，这些研究人员建议通过对选定的学生进行深入的纵向研究来调整他们的方法，以适应不同人群的需求，包括女性、西班牙裔、黑人和学习障碍。苹果电脑公司和Foothill中学为这个项目做出了重大贡献。

This investigation will test and refine a model of "robust science instruction" based on current research on learning and instruction and will also design and refine promising activities and technological tools for instruction in thermodynamics. A key feature of the proposed approach to science instruction is the use of dynamic simulations and real-time data collection to help middle school students (grades 7-8)to analyze naturally-occurring problems dealing with heat and temperature. The approach has four main components. First, these investigators proposed to identify and teach an appropriate, qualitative level of explanation for thermodynamics based on expert explanations. Second, they propose to create and refine dynamic simulations for the Macintosh and to engage students in analyzing naturally-occurring problems. Third, they intend to help middle school and college student in integrating information by such techniques as creating a "community of scholars" in the classroom, engaging students in predicting outcomes and helping teachers model complex problem-solving techniques, and motivating students to seek a few explanatory principles for a large class of events. Fourth, these researchers propose to tailor their approach to the needs of diverse populations including women, Hispanics, Blacks, and the learning disabled by in-depth longitudinal study of selected students. Significant contributions to this project are being made by Apple Computer, Inc. and the Foothill Middle School.