The SMILE Program @ OSU

During the Saturday session of the Winter Teacher’s Workshop, teachers learned more about the Next Generations Science Standards (NGSS) with a specific focus on modeling. Matt Nyman, an instructor in the College of Education at Oregon State University, gave an overview presentation that addressed what modeling looked like in k12 education.  Teachers then took part in two sessions that focused on mathematical and scientific modeling.  Andy Olstad, a School of Business instructor, shared several online tools as part of his presentation to help students understand mathematical modeling. Randy Bell, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs in the College of Education, presented on scientific modeling. These links as well as all presentations at the workshop can be found below.

Mathematical Modeling

Online Simulations

• Earth Impact Simulator
• Agentsheets
• Phet
• Kerbal Space Program
• 4th Down Bot

Summer Reading List

• “What If?” by Randall Munroe as well as here
• “The Signal and the Noise” by Nate Silver and here
• The Psychology of Fear by Daniel Gardner

Additional Links

• Biases and Heuristics
• The Mathematical Competition in Modeling
• Grace Murray Hopper

Scientific Modeling

Presentations

• Scientific Models and Model-Based Inquiry