The contribution of computer science to learning computational physics

Rivka Taub, Michal Armoni, Mordechai Ben-Ari

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Computational science is a field that deals with the construction of computational models. It is characterized by its interdisciplinary nature. Computational science is now being taught in universities and recently even in high-schools. This paper describes research into the learning processes of tenth-grade (16-year-old) students studying a course in computational science. Following an initial finding that students achieved meaningful learning of physics, our primary goal was then to investigate the learning processes that led to this outcome. In particular, we wanted to characterize the contribution of computer science to the students' learning. We conducted a micro-level analysis of a pair of students engaged in solving a problem in computational physics. The analysis was conducted within the framework of Knowledge Integration proposed by Linn and Eylon [1,2]. We describe the learning processes that the students went through with emphasis on the contribution of computer science to learning physics; this contribution was particularly apparent in developing criteria for evaluating acquired knowledge.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInternational Conference on Informatics in Schools: Situation, Evolution, and Perspectives
Subtitle of host publicationSustainable Informatics Education for Pupils of all Ages - 6th International Conference on Informatics in Schools: Situation, Evolution, and Perspectives, ISSEP 2013, Proc.
Pages127-137
Number of pages11
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013
Event6th International Conference on Informatics in Schools: Situation, Evolution, and Perspectives, ISSEP 2013 - Oldenburg, Germany
Duration: 26 Feb 20132 Mar 2013

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics)
Volume7780 LNCS

Conference

Conference6th International Conference on Informatics in Schools: Situation, Evolution, and Perspectives, ISSEP 2013
Country/TerritoryGermany
CityOldenburg
Period26/02/132/03/13

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Theoretical Computer Science
  • General Computer Science

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