For this assignment, you will critique an educational
computer simulation. You will work through the simulation activity with
a partner, completing a handout developed for secondary science
students. Later, you will each write an individual 1-3 page critique,
which will constitute assignment "Write6." You should submit this
assignment to the course Angel page labeled "Write 6: Computer
Simulation Lesson Critique" on April 25.
Some things you should address in your critique:
What scientific understandings does the assignment assume that students know before they begin the activity?
How does this assignment address Pennsylvania Science and Technology Standard 3.8 ("Science, Technology, and Human Endeavors"), for the Grade 10 level? (Choose 2 or 3 bulleted "standard descriptors" and reflect on how and whether those descriptors are addressed, making specific reference to aspects of the exercise. "For example" works well where descriptors are addressed. For a descriptor that is not addressed, you may wish to suggest ways in which the activity could be modified to address ).
Comment on the structure of the activity and evaluate how it might encourage (or discourage) students' on-task behavior and the teacher's ability to monitor and assist students.
You are welcome to include other evaluative comments, in addition to the issues enumerated above.
Complete and discuss the activity in pairs, but please write individual critiques. If you use a peer editor to review your critique, I recommend using someone other than the person with whom you complete the activity. This will help avoid unintentional plagiarism.