21st Century Strands & Strategies
Chapter: Strands & Strategies: Deep Dive
63
advances. Recognizing this potential, DoDEA and the Department of Defense are in
the process of aligning our efforts.
As we look outward to the future, we recognize that a growing body of research shows
that a key limiting factor for students not focusing on STEM studies and careers lies with
comprehension and understanding key concepts. Failure to grasp fundamental
concepts early has negative cascading effects in later STEM subjects.
With that being said, DOD’s modeling and simulation technology can provide the
means to expand learning beyond text-based facts or solving equations. Models and
simulations can help students understand hard to grasp concepts in science and
mathematics.
DoDEA and Naval Air Warfare Center
Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD),
on behalf of Team Orlando, has
established a partnership for the
purpose of leveraging the strengths of
both organizations in the mutual
pursuits of advancing Science,
Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics (STEM) education.
NAWCTSD and DoDEA will work
together to develop modeling and
simulation strategies to support learning STEM content. With this objective in mind, we
will develop simulations that provide a number of visualization vignettes to augment
teaching and learning. This will provide multiple benefits, that is, the simulations will:
1.
Involve students in hands on experiences so they become participants, not mere
listeners or observers;
2.
Mimic the activity so well that there is little difference between the simulated
environment and the real one;
3.
Motivate students to learn through deep involvement in the activity so that
interest in learning is more about the activity and the subject matter develops by
doing, and;
4.
Encourage students to enhance the activity by contributing their own ideas.
