Sunday, February 13, 2011

Simulations and Data Analysis

What is a simulation?

     A simulation is the process of imitating a real situation or object with a set of mathematical formulas.  Computer simulations can imitate weather conditions, chemical reactions, nuclear accidents, medical techniques, cost required to produce a particular design, biological processes, cockpit and spacecraft systems, and product safety testing, to name just a few.
Here are a few simulation websites that the text recommends:

4 comments:

  1. Simulations provide many opportunities to students. You mentioned simulating weather conditions. Students could use a simulation program to simulate a tornado something most people do not get to see up close. I think it is an awesome tool for the classroom.

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  2. Simulations can be a wonderful tool that allows students to realize the impact of certain occurances without actually being present. Thanks for the additional websites :)

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  3. The websites listed are pretty handy. I think students would enjoy learning through those simulations. While I feel that real-life activities would be more meaningful, these simulations can work well for introducing new concepts. This can allow students to gain some background knowledge before moving on to real-life situations. Also, they can be helpful if resources are sparse.

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  4. It was interesting in the reading how they included that they don't want simulations to just be used as a tool but to be imbedded into the curriculum. I like how you can offer the students many different experiences through simulations.

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