Modeling Tools and Systems Thinking Patterns in Middle School

• In Event: Data, Computation, and Science Education

Abstract

This study aims to identify the patterns in systems thinking of middle school students as they learned about decomposition within a local ecosystem. The study is part of a larger quasi-experiment to examine the development of systems thinking in two conditions: computer modeling and paper modeling. Data sources included pre-tests, mid-unit drawings of ecosystems, and post-tests. Analyses coded for several dimensions: ability to list elements, causal relations, and evidence. Student artifacts illustrate that students who used computer modeling showed more frequent use of causal coherence in their drawings. We observe variation in systems thinking dimensions from students at different baseline understanding. Findings have implications for understanding which aspects of instructional tools may facilitate the learning pathways across systems thinking dimensions.

Authors

• Ha Nguyen, University of California - Irvine

• Sara Ludovise, Crystal Cove Conservancy

• Jiayu Wang, University of California - Irvine

• Josiah Roland Nebalasca Huse, University of California - Irvine

• Rossella Santagata, University of California - Irvine