Simulations+and+Games

Educational Strategy: Simulations and Games

When students represent the information they are learning in different ways, they are able to remember it longer. When students model what they have learned, it increases their understanding of the information making it possible to address misconceptions. Simulations and games are just two methods to model learning in the classroom. Students can visualize and role play different scenarios by taking part in simulations. Simulations are especially helpful when the situations are too expensive, dangerous, or just not possible to model in the classroom. Games can help practice skills, develop critical thinking skills, and encourage communication, conflict resolution skills, cooperation, and other team building exercises ([]).

Technology Resources:

1. Handheld Device: Global Positioning System (GPS) 2. SimCity Software 3. Civilizaions Software

1. Handheld Device: Global Positioning Systems (GPS) These handheld devices can help students learn about geographic positioning and spatial understanding. The handheld GPS reads satellite signals and can tell the location (longitude, latitude and altitude) of the user holding it by doing some calculations. Aids in developing skills such as: inquiry,problem solving, and math. Students are actively involved in their learning. Some activities include: hide and find challenges and mapping an area like the school grounds or park. A great site to find information and lesson plans is at: []

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Resources Needed: Global Positioning System (GPS) handheld devices

2. SimCity Software SimCity is a city building simulation software that gave rise to many different versions since it was first released in 1989. This software lets students design and build a city, including designing buildings, transportation systems, and everything that is needed to successfully run a city while facing different disasters (both natural and unnatural) and different scenarios based on real life historical events. As students design their city, they acquire SIMS (simulated citizens) who help fund their city by generating revnue, taxes, etc. The tax base will keep growing when more SIMS come as long as they like the city. There is a limit on funds so students use critical thinking skills while making decisions about what to do and how to design their city. Students strategize what decisions could have their city benefiting or losing out. The SimCity software and the other versions of SimCity games are available for the PC and many other gaming consoles. This simulation software makes the learning interactive and dynamic.

SimCity Original Screenshot SimCity 4 Screenshot

Caution: Some SimCity software has mild violence, alcohol, and tobacco references. Teachers should check out which version would be acceptable in a classroom. The original SimCity has been used in middle school classrooms so this version may be acceptabe, but I always caution teachers to check out and play anything before they use in the classroom. SimCity 4 is designed for ages 10-adult so it should be more acceptable than others.

Resources Needed: Computers (supplied by the school) Windows XP/ME/2000/98 (Windows 95/NT not supported) SimCity Software (there are many versions so it is up to teacher discretion as to which suits the needs of his/her lesson and his/her students). SimCity Original Software can be purchased from Amazon for $7.84 new [] SimCity 4 software can be purchased from Amazon for $3.99 new []

3. Civilizations IV Colonization Software Strategy is the key to this software where students can play as English, Dutch, French, or Spanish to colonize the New World (1492-1792) by trading, negotiating, recruiting founding fathers to join their side, and establishing independence from their motherland. Historical figures are integrated into the game. Play with people online or LAN modes.

Images retrieved from: []

Civilizations in Civilizations I Game**: America, Azteca, Babylon, China, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Greece, India, Mongolia, Persia, Rome, Russia, Zululand **Civilizations in Civilizations II Game**: America, Azteca, Babylon, Carthaginians, Celts, China, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Greece, India, Mongolia, Persia, Rome, Russia, Sioux, Spain, Vikings, Zululand **Civilizations in Civilizations III Game:** America, Azteca, Babylon, China, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Greece, India, Iroqouis, Japan, Persia, Rome, Russia, Zululand
 * Other Civilization Games:
 * Civilizations in Civilizations IV Game: ** America, Arab, Azteca, China, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Greece, Inca, India, Japan, Mali, Mongolia, Persia, Rome, Russia, Spain

Resources Needed: Computers (provided by school) WINDOWS 2000/XP/VISTA , Mac OX Civilizations IV: Colonization Software $29.99

Educational Challenge: Student Motivation Teachers can increase student motivation by incorporating different teaching strategies into the classroom. Simulations and Games are just one of these such strategies that can keep student’s interest. Simulations and games are highly motivating because students are in control of their learning and the decisions they make. Simulations are not competitions so nobody loses, which also helps students become vested in their learning because they lose that fear of making a mistake in front of their peers. Simulations and games help create a positive learning environment by recognizing different students’ interests. Teachers can also choose simulations and games based on their students' interests. For all of these reasons, these technologies fit this researched based strategy, simulations and games.

References: Focus on Effectiveness: Integrating Technology into Research-Based Strategies. Retrieved from []

GPS information retrieved from: [] SimCity 4 review on the learning village retrieved from: [] []

Civilizations Software information retrieved from: []

SimCity Images: [] Civilization Images:[] GPS Image: []
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