Epistemological Debate Underlying Computer Simulations Used in Science Teaching: The Designers’ Perspective

Computer simulations are currently used in diverse scientific disciplines as well as in science teaching. The simulations proposed for physics teaching are designed for specific purposes and allow studying natural phenomena through exploration and/or modeling. In this work, we present an analysis that, based on the theoretical frame provided by the nature of science (NOS), considers some aspects of present discussions on computer simulations that should be taken into account to promote scientifically literate citizens. We examine different types of simulations used, specifically, in the teaching of physics for high school in the past few years. We also explore some of the current philosophical thoughts on scientific simulations and which of their aspects could become part of the teaching–learning process when using simulations in science teaching—for example, the role of the model in simulations, the relationship between simulations and experimentation, the validity of knowledge resulting from simulations, and the role of animation in relation to the simulation used. Discussing these aspects from the viewpoint of the NOS would provide students with an updated vision of scientific activity so that they could analyze the information they receive daily and, as members of society, take a stand accordingly.

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7th Grade Students’ Views on Combining the use of Computer Simulations and Laboratory Activities in Science Teaching

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences ◽

10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.04.258 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 191 ◽

pp. 1173-1177 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Zeynep Koyunlu Ünlü ◽

İlbilge Dökme

Keyword(s):

Science Teaching ◽

Computer Simulations ◽

Laboratory Activities

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Computer simulations for the teaching of photoelectric effect

RENOTE ◽

10.22456/1679-1916.118488 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 298-308

Author(s):

Mari Aurora Favero Reis ◽

Marlise Geller ◽

Agostinho Serrano

Keyword(s):

Engineering Education ◽

Science Teaching ◽

Computer Simulations ◽

Quantum Physics ◽

Albert Einstein ◽

Photoelectric Effect ◽

The Internet ◽

Laboratory Instruction ◽

Scientific Concepts ◽

Experimental Intervention

The photoelectric effect in the production and transformation of light is animportant phenomenon in quantum physics. The theory was initially presented by Albert Einstein and allows us to explain several technological applications in engineering. The use of computer simulations in the process, as they have already been proven to yield in science teaching, can provide excellent conceptual learning results, and that includes the teaching of the photoelectric effect. Ten simulations available on the internet were classified by criteria established based on bibliographic research developed within the framework of the historicity, concept, and context triad, and then four were selected and used in a classroom with engineering undergraduate sophomores. The Predict-Observe-Explain (P.O.E.) methodology was used to guide students in carrying out the experiments. The results of the analysis of the simulations and the elaboration of a laboratory instruction guide and experimental intervention, with the methodology, demonstrated the effectiveness of using computer simulations for the learning of scientific concepts in the context of engineering education.

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A High Resolution Study of G.P. Zones in Aluminum - 4.2 at % Silver

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100055904 ◽

1982 ◽

Vol 40 ◽

pp. 722-723 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

R. Gronsky

Keyword(s):

Electron Microscopy ◽

Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽

High Resolution ◽

Computer Simulations ◽

Structural Characteristics ◽

X Ray Diffraction ◽

X Ray ◽

Transmission Electron ◽

Resolution Study

The phenomenon of clustering in Al-Ag alloys has been extensively studied since the early work of Guinierl, wherein the pre-precipitation state was characterized as an assembly of spherical, ordered, silver-rich G.P. zones. Subsequent x-ray and TEM investigations yielded results in general agreement with this model. However, serious discrepancies were later revealed by the detailed x-ray diffraction - based computer simulations of Gragg and Cohen, i.e., the silver-rich clusters were instead octahedral in shape and fully disordered, atleast below 170°C. The object of the present investigation is to examine directly the structural characteristics of G.P. zones in Al-Ag by high resolution transmission electron microscopy.

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Multislice calculations for quasi-periodic and non-periodic objects

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100173820 ◽

1990 ◽

Vol 48 (4) ◽

pp. 138-139

Author(s):

R. Herrera ◽

A. Gómez

Keyword(s):

Electron Diffraction ◽

Computer Simulations ◽

Periodic Table ◽

Amorphous Materials ◽

Space Group ◽

Essential Step ◽

Shape Effects ◽

Atomic Scattering ◽

Diffraction Patterns ◽

Periodic Continuation

Computer simulations of electron diffraction patterns and images are an essential step in the process of structure and/or defect elucidation. So far most programs are designed to deal specifically with crystals, requiring frequently the space group as imput parameter. In such programs the deviations from perfect periodicity are dealt with by means of “periodic continuation”.However, for many applications involving amorphous materials, quasiperiodic materials or simply crystals with defects (including finite shape effects) it is convenient to have an algorithm capable of handling non-periodicity. Our program “HeGo” is an implementation of the well known multislice equations in which no periodicity assumption is made whatsoever. The salient features of our implementation are: 1) We made Gaussian fits to the atomic scattering factors for electrons covering the whole periodic table and the ranges [0-2]Å−1 and [2-6]Å−1.

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Computer simulations for the TEM bend contour technique

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100163137 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 54 ◽

pp. 134-135

Author(s):

Vladimir Yu. Kolosov ◽

Anders R. Thölén

Keyword(s):

Computer Simulations ◽

Real Space ◽

Advantages And Disadvantages ◽

Short Overview ◽

Diffraction Contrast ◽

Beam Method ◽

Convergent Beam ◽

Contour Technique

In this paper we give a short overview of two TEM applications utilizing the extinction bend contour technique (BC) giving the advantages and disadvantages; especially we consider two areas in which the BC technique remains unique. Special attention is given to an approach including computer simulations of TEM micrographs.BC patterns are often observed in TEM studies but are rarely exploited in a serious way. However, this type of diffraction contrast was one of the first to be used for analysis of imperfections in crystalline foils, but since then only some groups have utilized the BC technique. The most extensive studies were performed by Steeds, Eades and colleagues. They were the first to demonstrate the unique possibilities of the BC method and named it real space crystallography, which developed later into the somewhat similar but more powerful convergent beam method. Maybe, due to the difficulties in analysis, BCs have seldom been used in TEM, and then mainly to visualize different imperfections and transformations.

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