Computer Science Symposia

Computer Science & Information Technology Symposium 2003

Session Presentations

Modeling: An Innovative Approach in High School Computing
by Phillip East & Betsy Frederick

The emphasis on problem-based instruction for learning higher-level skills is making computer modeling a popular tool for teaching computing. We will explore this approach by considering some aspects of establishing a "Down Under Theme Park" in "Up Above Washington". Spreadsheet implementations of models can help us decide what to do about the 'roos that are on their way to SEA/TAC. The exploration will address both modeling and using modeling to teach—hopefully, with lots of discussion.

• Presentation (PDF, 1.37 MB, PDF Instructions)
• Accompanying Spreadsheet (MS Excel™, 175 KB)

Commentary:

East pointed out at the beginning of the talk that he had decided to look at human population models instead of the Kangaroo growth model he and Frederick had planned originally. He demonstrated several powerful examples starting with a model that showed a population of 50 in the first year followed by 13 births in the following year and asked us to guess how the table would fill. Each successive table was more sophisticated and finally incorporated census data. It was a good lesson for not only developing an understanding of population growth but sophisticated uses of a spreadsheet in a problem-problem solving context. There is enough material here for an extended and thoughtful unit in mathematics, science, and/or computer applications. Be sure to look at the spreadsheets!

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For more information, please contact Linda Keller, Project Manager, ISTE at: lkeller@iste.org.