STEM Salon - Computational Modeling in Physics First

This session will introduce participants to the approach and resources used in Computational Modeling in Physics First. A full summer workshop will be offered June 5-23 at ASU. https://www.modelinginstruction.org/computational-modeling-physics-first-at-asu/

Computational Modeling in Physics First integrates computational modeling and mechanics. It focuses on the pedagogical content knowledge and skills needed to effectively teach the course concepts to high school students. It emphasizes computational modeling through use of Pyret (https://www.pyret.org/index.html) language and the Bootstrap:Algebra approach (https://www.bootstrapworld.org/materials/algebra/) that was developed with the introductory computing student in mind. Computational ideas that are introduced include functional expressions, data types, and Boolean logic. These computing tools and approaches are also embedded in the Modeling Method of Instruction for developing students’ conceptual models in physics (https://modelinginstruction.org/sample-page/synopsis-of-modeling-instruction/). The course content includes qualitative energy, constant velocity, uniform acceleration, balanced and unbalanced forces, Newton’s laws, and momentum.