A microworld was created in a Science ASSISTment, a computer based learning environment that assists students with inquiry as it collects data to assess their performance. The microworld assessed middle school students' knowledge of ecology and inquiry skills while addressing common misconceptions in food webs. The students' prior knowledge was assessed through pretest items. Two problem scenarios in the microworld were used to assess the students on their inquiry skills and content knowledge. Their gains in knowledge were then assessed through the same pretest items given in a posttest. The project successfully assessed the students' inquiry skills and knowledge, although further improvements in the microworld and scaffolding should be made before implementation in a larger setting.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Boschetto, Concetta Marie

Subject

• Computing
• Learning
• Community

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-082411-230109

Keyword

• Computer-assisted instruction
• Interdisciplinary approach in education
• Education, Higher

Advisor

• Gobert, Janice
• Beck, Joseph E.

Year

• 2011

Date created

• 2011-08-24

Location

• Worcester

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Rights statement

• In Copyright