Comparing Models and Real-World Experiments in Science: Learning Outcomes and Teacher Perception in Italian Schools

• In Event: Science Teaching and Learning: Pedagogy

Abstract

This paper reports on a research project to integrate and scale-up a series of inquiry-based curricular units in which students design and compare computer models with real-world data in real-time. We will focus on results of a pilot study conducted in two 3rd-grade and two 7th-grade classes in schools in Italy on the topic of plant growth, using a hydroponic-greenhouse-system. This paper describes the activities, research instruments and learning materials developed to scaffold the implementation of the technology-based pedagogical learning approach. It has three main contributions:(1) results of students' learning outcomes, (2) teachers’ perceptions on the integration of the approach within their classroom, and (3) key-elements that lead to productive implementation of the approach in different school grades.

Authors

• Jessica Niewint-Gori, INDIRE, Italy

• Tamar Fuhrmann, Columbia University

• Livia Macedo, Transformative Learning Technologies Lab and FabLearn Program

• Lorenzo Guasti, Indire

• Deeana Ijaz Ahmed, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Paulo Blikstein, Columbia University