Computational Thinking for Using Models of Water Flow in Environmental Systems: Intertwining Three Dimensions in a Learning Progression
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Gunckel et al 2022 Computational ...
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Final Accepted Manuscript
Affiliation
Department of Teaching, Learning, & Sociocultural Studies, University of ArizonaIssue Date
2022-09-20Keywords
computational thinkingsystems and system models
three-dimensional learning
learning progressions
water in environmental systems
environmental science literacy
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WileyCitation
Gunckel, K. L., Covitt, B. A., Berkowitz, A. R., Caplan, B., & Moore, J. C. (2022). Computational thinking for using models of water flow in environmental systems: Intertwining three dimensions in a learning progression. Journal of Research in Science Teaching(59), 1159-1203.Rights
© 2022 National Association for Research in Science Teaching.Collection Information
This item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at repository@u.library.arizona.edu.Abstract
Nearly a decade ago, the Framework for K-12 Science Education argued for the need to intertwine science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas, and crosscutting concepts in performance expectations. However, there are few empirical examples for how intertwining three dimensions facilitates learning. In this study, we used a learning progressions approach to examine how student engagement in computational thinking (science and engineering practice) intertwines with learning about the flow of water through environmental systems (disciplinary core ideas) and understanding of systems and system models (crosscutting concept). We developed three secondary-level curriculum units situated in current groundwater contamination and urban flooding contexts. Units included specially designed NetLogo computational models. Post-assessments measured student performances in computational thinking processes and understanding of hydrologic systems. Using item response theory in our analysis, we identified distinct levels of performance on a learning progression. At the lower end, Literal Model Users interacted with models and manipulated model interfaces to achieve a specified goal. In the middle, Model Technicians used computational models to solve real-world problems. At the upper end, Principle-Based Model Users used computational thinking processes and principles related to systems modeling and hydrology to explain how the models worked to predict water flow. Differences between performances of Literal Model Users, Model Technicians, and Principle-based Model Users reflected shifts in how students made sense of the systems and system models crosscutting concept. These shifts in performances aligned with progress in computational thinking practices and finally with use of hydrology disciplinary core ideas. These findings contribute to understanding of how science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas, and crosscutting concepts intertwine during learning; how computational thinking practices develop; and how computational thinking about system models facilitates learning for environmental science literacy.Note
12 month embargo; first published: 22 February 2022ISSN
0022-4308Version
Final accepted manuscriptSponsors
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation DRL – 1543228 Comp Hydro: Integrating Data Computation and Visualization to Build Model-based Water Literacy. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1002/tea.21755