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Math Learning Issues
"How can I ..." | | |
 SimCalc MathWorlds
What is it?
Simcalc is an application that allows
students to manipulate relationships
about time, velocity, and position. The
representation can be manipulated by its
equation, or directly on a graph. Each
relationship corresponds to an "actor" in
the world. The students can then run a
simulation to see the actors move
according to their functions. The graph is
swept across at the same time as the
objects move in the world reinforcing how
the function relates to movement at each
stage. This enables students to better
grasp the concepts of travel.
Where can I get it?
http://tango.mth.umassd.edu/
Research Findings
According to Jeremy Roschelle in his
article published in Innovations in Science
and Mathematics Education, Simcalc
has had positive effects on students who
use it. Students have developed a grasp
on the concepts of calculus way before
encountering calculus as a subject (for
instance, children understand that the
area under a curve means distance
traveled in certain cases). Moreover,
students gain a better understanding of
difficult concepts such as the difference
between negative velocity and decreasing
velocity (especially because of the graphs
and their link to the simulation).
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