Explore Learning Simulation

Annette Robinson-Ali
EDUC 318: Computers in Education
Simulation Activity
Dr. D. Sessoms
21 October 2008

SIMULATION REPORT

Brief description:

The simulation that I chose is the Elementary Science: Phases of the Moon. This simulation teaches the phases of the moon and the names of the moon phases. It shows a view of the moon from earth as the moon orbits the earth. As the view changes the name of each moon phase is displayed at the bottom of the window. There is also a display bar that has the time it takes, in days, hours, and minutes, for the moon to complete an orbit.

I think the simulation is unique in that it has a link for lesson materials that can be downloaded. Also, directly below the simulation is a quick assessment of the subject, which I think is an excellent idea.

Learning objectives addressed:

There is a link for the National Science Education Standards along with a link for the objectives which I assume corresponds with those standards. The objectives listed are as follows:

1. K-4 students should develop an understanding of objects in the sky, and an

understanding of changes in the earth and sky.

2. Grades 5 – 8 students should develop an understanding of the earth in the solar

system.

The objectives listed with the simulation are as follows:

1. To define rotation and revolution.
2. Explain why we see moon phases.
3. Relate moon phases to the moon’s position.
4. Name the phases of the moon and list them in order.

Interest level for students:

The simulation is simplistic yet engaging. Seeing the actual process of the moon’s orbit makes it easier to understand the concept. This simulation has some really cool features that I am sure students would enjoy. There is a feature that allows you to actually place a person on earth to view the moon from any position. There is also a feature that allows you to place flags on the moon in order to track the moon’s position. The simulation also has a snapshot feature that allows the user to take a snapshot of any part of the simulation and then copy and paste it into a word document.

Ease of use:

It is very easy to navigate through this simulation; there are only four options, play, fast play, pause, and reset. Any elementary student would do fine. Login in is pretty straight forward, user name and password required, and the available simulations are right on the homepage, listed by grade levels and subject areas. There are not a whole lot of directions; however, I do not think this simulation requires a lot of directions. The tools are very easy to understand, hovering the mouse over a tool gives an explanation of what the tool provides. Also, there is a demo feature that can be accessed from the simulation screen, so help is only a finger click away.
Usefulness:

This simulation is very useful. Science can be a challenging subject to teach and to learn. This simulation has taken what could be a difficult concept to grasp and made it quite simplistic. It guides the student through their learning and gives them an opportunity at being successful in accomplishing the objectives. As for the teacher, there are materials tailored made for the lesson which makes facilitating the lesson quite easy. This simulation is most definitely a benefit for students and teachers.