Preservice Elementary Teachers' Explanations of Properties of Sound Using a Web-Based Inquiry Science Environment

• In Event: Technology, STEM Learning, and Contexts

Abstract

Understanding the properties of sound has been difficult for students across all grade levels. Teachers need to teach the foundational knowledge around sound starting at the elementary level- which is where teacher preparation programs come in. To address this, we had 59 pre-service elementary teachers (PSETs) learn about properties of sound through a technology enhanced unit using a Web-based Inquiry Science Environment (WISE) interface. We analyzed their responses to a prompt assessing their understanding of the relationship between frequency, amplitude, and wavelength of sound after they used a simulation model of an oscilloscope. Our findings delineated three levels of explainers that PSETs fell under. Implications of using technology-enhanced units in supporting PSETs’ understanding of sound waves are discussed

Authors

• Amal Ibourk, Florida State University

• Lauren Wagner, Florida State University

• Clausell Mathis, University of Washington - Seattle