An Atom is Known by the Company it Keeps: A Constructionist Learning Environment for Materials Science Using Agent-Based Modeling |
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| Authors: | Paulo Blikstein and Uri Wilensky |
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| Institution: | (1) Learning Sciences and Technology Design Program, School of Education, and Department of Computer Science, School of Engineering (by courtesy), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA;(2) Department of Learning Sciences, School of Education and Social Policy, and Department of Computer Science, McCormick School of Engineering, Center for Connected Learning and Computer-Based Modeling, Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA |
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| Abstract: | This article reports on “MaterialSim”, an undergraduate-level computational materials science set of constructionist activities
which we have developed and tested in classrooms. We investigate: (a) the cognition of students engaging in scientific inquiry
through interacting with simulations; (b) the effects of students programming simulations as opposed to only interacting with
ready-made simulations; (c) the characteristics, advantages, and trajectories of scientific content knowledge that is articulated
in epistemic forms and representational infrastructures unique to computational materials science, and (d) the principles
which govern the design of computational agent-based learning environments in general and for materials science in particular.
Data sources for the evaluation of these studies include classroom observations, interviews with students, videotaped sessions
of model-building, questionnaires, and analysis of artifacts. Results suggest that by becoming ‘model builders,’ students
develop deeper understanding of core concepts in materials science, and learn how to better identify unifying principles and
behaviors within the content matter. |
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