A science learning environment using a computational thinking approach

Computational Thinking (CT) defines a domain-general, analytic approach to problem solving that combines concepts fundamental to computing, with systematic representations for concepts and problem-solving approaches in scientific and mathematical domains. We exploit this trade-off between domain-specificity and domain-generality to develop CTSiM (Computational Thinking in Simulation and Modeling), a cross-domain, visual programming and agent-based learning environment for middle school science. CTSiM promotes inquiry learning by providing students with an environment for constructing computational models of scientific phenomena, executing their models using simulation tools, and conducting experiments to compare the simulation behavior generated by their models against that of an expert model. In a preliminary study, sixth-grade students used CTSiM to learn about distance-speed-time relations in a kinematics unit and then about the ecological process relations between fish, duckweed, and bacteria occurring in a fish tank system. Results show learning gains in both science units, but this required a set of scaffolds to help students learn in this environment.