Innovating with Science-ercise

Science-ercise is a small pilot project conducted in north and north-west Tasmania to explore the potential for computers to extend student learning achievements in the area of advanced science. The project trained nine primary school teachers to use computers with their Year 6 students. These students were supplied with carefully constructed spreadsheets containing explicit formulae to calculate the results of physics experiments. The other learning materials included a student workbook, teacher presentations and several video clips. The content covered force and motion, the dual slit experiment in quantum mechanics and the twins’ paradox from special relativity. After six lessons, students used computers to complete a post-test of learning achievement, and in all but one school, showed mastery of the content.