A collaboration between Maryland Virtual High School

and the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center

Participants will gain A working definition of computational

reasoning by using simulations to collect and analyze data, test hypotheses, and illustrate scientific concepts.

A basic understanding of the capabilities of a variety of computational tools.

Insight into the ways in which computational reasoning can be infused in their teaching.

http://mvhs.shodor.org/activities/CAST/IntroOutline.html

Three Facets of Computational Reasoning Meeting the Pennsylvania Standards Coin-flipping and Forest Fires Fractions and the Water Cycle A Smorgasbord of Resources Next Steps

Understanding how to analyze, visualize and represent data using mathematical and computational tools

Using computer models to support theory and experimentation in scientific inquiry

Using models and simulations as interactive tools for understanding complex scientific concepts

Modeling and the StandardsModeling and the Standards

Unifying Themes 3.1.7, 10, 12a - Apply concepts of systems,

subsystems, feedback and control to solve complex technological problems.

3.1.7, 10, 12b - Apply concepts of models as a method to predict and understand science and technology.

3.1.7, 10, 12e - Evaluate change in nature, physical systems and manmade systems.

Inquiry and Design

3.2.7, 10, 12c - Apply the elements of scientific inquiry to solve multi-step problems.

3.2.7, 10, 12d – Analyze and use the technological design process to solve problems.

Science, Technology and Human Endeavors

3.8.7, 10, 12b - Apply the use of ingenuity and technological resources to solve specific societal needs and improve the quality of life.

3.8.7, 10, 12c – Evaluate the consequences and impacts of scientific and technological solutions.

Open the Reach Out and Torch Someone link fromhttp://mvhs.shodor.org/activities/CAST/IntroOutline.html

Using an agent-based pre-built forest fire model to explore:

Probability Random Numbers Averages Predictions and Hypothesis-Testing Assumptions

Coin flipping

In 10 trials, will you get an equal number of heads and tails?

Would you get closer to an even split if you did a thousand flips?

Computer-generated random numbers

Will the computer do any differently in 10 trials? Should it?

Open the Flipping Pennies link from http://mvhs.shodor.org/activities/CAST/IntroOutline.html

Assumptions

All the trees are the same. There is no wind. At a certain probability, the fire can spread from one tree

to its nearest neighbors. http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/fire1/index.

html

Data Analysis

Open the Fire Analysis link from http://mvhs.shodor.org/activities/CAST/IntroOutline.html

Open the Water, Water, Everywhere link from http://mvhs.shodor.org/activities/CAST/IntroOutline

.html

Using a systems-based pre-built model to explore:

A Closed Cycle Equilibrium Proportional Reasoning Predictions and Hypothesis-Testing Assumptions

precipitation

evaporation

condensation

water inair

water oncover

water inpan

condensation

precipitation

evaporation

totalwater

condensation fraction

precipitation fraction

water vapor leak

evaporationfraction

leak fraction

The Water Cycle Box ModelOpen the Water Cycle in Vensim link from

http://mvhs.shodor.org/activities/CAST/IntroOutline.html

Using slider bars and iteration, you can do the same model in Excel.

Open the Water Cycle in Excel link at http://mvhs.shodor.org/activities/CAST/IntroOutline.html

The Math behind the Model

HAVE = HAD + CHANGE

Classroom Lessons from CAST Teachershttp://www.psc.edu/eot/k12/exercises_by_discipline.php

Computational Resources for Teachershttp://mvhs.shodor.org/activities/CAST/

Interactive Tools for Mathematicshttp://www.shodor.org/interactivate

The Computational Science Education Reference Deskhttp://www.shodor.org/refdesk/

The National Science Digital Libraryhttp://nsdl.org/resources_for/k12_teachers/?

pager=pathways

To test hypotheses

To simulate processes

To gain a deeper understanding of complex concepts

Sign up for in-depth workshops on

Excel Systems Modeling Agent-Based Modeling Guided Exploration of Web-based

Simulations

Contact Cheryl Begandy at begandy@psc.edu