Simulations+and+games

= Simulations and games =

The use of games and simulations in the classroom is a powerful tool to engage learning in students. These instructional strategies allow students to experience the concepts in a way not possible through traditional teaching methods. Students are able to discover content through a variety of fun and interactive ways. Research shows that simulations and games are a successful strategy to foster learning because they enhance the learning experience which then increases motivation and retention. Games and simulations also teach students cooperative learning, communication skills, and problem solving skills. Perhaps the most important skill that these strategies can teach is the ability to learn cause and effect through personal choices. Games and simulations are especially important to this generation of learners because of the ability to generate immediate feedback.


 * Popular forms of simulations and games include:**
 * Experiments
 * Modeling
 * Discovery learning
 * Invent
 * Exploration Role playing

= 1) My Amazing Human Body =

Image from @http://www.reviewcorner.com/software/myamazinghumanbody.html


 * Forms of Simulations and Games:**
 * Exploration
 * Discovery Learning
 * Experiments
 * Modeling

This software is an exceptionally good tool for a science. It includses simulations dealing with the human body for grades 6 through 9. This software allows the student to use a see through skeleton to make choices and explore the human body. Learners will be able to get an interactive experience in many different activities that will help them understand the body intimately. They will be able to fill in teeth to learn about the mouth, they will measure the intestines, count bones, and even fill a bladder. One of the best activities that students can experience is one in which they make decisions about the daily life and habits of the body. Their decisions directly relate to what happens to this skeleton in the simulation. Learners will get warning signs when their skeleton is hungry, thirsty, needs exercise, etc and if the learner ignores these signs they have to start over. The learners also get positive feedback during and after the simulation to inform them of their achievements.
 * Rationale**


 * Requirements **
 * Windows 95/98/NT 4/2000
 * 486Dx2/66Mhz or faster processor
 * 16-30MB of RAM
 * 30 MB available on hard drive
 * Mac users need PowerPC, 16 MB RAM, 7.6.1 system, 2x CD-ROM, and 15MB hard drive space

An average cost of //My Amazing Human Body// is $19.99. The actual price depends on the dealer selling the software. Purchasers can buy for as low as $5.70 on Amazon.com
 * Cost **

= 2) Funbrain.com = Image from @http://www.zepy.net/wp-content/fun-games.jpg


 * Forms of Simulations and Games**
 * Modeling
 * Discovery Learning
 * Exploration

The major parts of this web site are the educational games, but it also includes additional resources. For students, there are movies, comics, arts and crafts, online books, jokes, brainteasers, and blogs. There is also a compiled listing of links for homework help, teacher tools, parent advice sites, and parent/kid downloadable games.
 * Rationale**

The educational games on this site are organized by subject and can be searched by grade, age, or state standard. The K-8 games have easy directions, can be used with one or two players, have multiple levels, and will keep your score. There are games in all the core subjects; math, science, ELA, and social studies. In math, students will learn about fractions, decimals, time, money, basics operations, measurement, and more. Games in science include weather, space, chemistry, and animals. Social studies content includes geography, US and world history, and cultures. In ELA students will play games to learn about grammar, stems/roots, literature, and vocabulary. In addition to these games, there are games offered in music, technology, Spanish, and sign language.

This web site is a great resource to engage students in the concepts they are learning. These games could be used in a whole class setting. The site could also be used for individual content practice, small groups, or as supplementary material for students outside of the classroom.

Computer and internet access
 * Requirements**

Free!
 * Cost**

=3) Movie Maker and Camcorders= Image from @http://www.microsoft.com/library/media/1033/windows/images/windows-vista/features/01TitleshotofMovieMaker.jpg


 * Form of Simulations and Games**
 * Exploration
 * Invent
 * Role play

**Rationale** Microsoft Movie Maker is a powerful tool for the classroom. Movie Maker is a software that allows students to easily create digital educational movies. Hardware such as Camcorders can also be used with this technology in order to allow students to create productions and videos in their class. Using Movie Maker after recording on a camcorder allows students to also explore video editing. Movie Maker has transformed simple shoot and play videos into works of art where students can learn a whole new world of technological capabilities.

Many engaging activities can be created using these technologies. The research on students experiencing simulations is overwhelming to the learning process, but even more engaging and motivating would be for students to create their own simulations to share with the rest of the class. Students could role play stories for English Language Arts, they could act out events in history, they could record experiments, and simulate mathematical circumstances.


 * Requirements**
 * 600 MHz or higher processor
 * Windowes XP
 * 128 MB RAM
 * 2.0 GB hard drive space
 * CD-ROM or DVD drive

Movie maker is free to download. Camcorders can be very reasonably priced. A quick search done online showed a variety of camcorders from Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and Amazon ranging anywhere from $40 to $100. For the use in the classroom it is recommended that schools purchase basic mini digital cameras because of their light weight, durability, and cost effectiveness. A camera like this is priced at $40 at Best Buy.
 * Cost**

Student Motivation
All three of these strategies for simulations and games would help motivate student achievement and interest. Because of the digital generation thatt students are growing up in today, students need interactive and engaging activities in order to keep their interest and help them succeed. The nature of these strategies is to do just this, increase their interest in order to increase their motivation and in turn increase achievement.

Research says that when students connect their beliefs and values into their learning they are more likely to do well. By role playing students can bring emotions into their learning by actually experiencing different things. Research also says that when students take responsibility for their learning they are more likely to succeed. Using simulations allows students to take responsibility by taking control and making decisions. This will help students see the connectione between their actions and the consequences. When students are able to be in control of their learning while bringing in their emotions, they are more likely to find material more relevant which will also help their comprehension.