Developing Conceptual Understanding of Mechanical Advantage through the Use of Lego Robotic Technology

Autor/inn/en	Chambers, Joan M.; Carbonaro, Mike; Murray, Hana
Titel	Developing Conceptual Understanding of Mechanical Advantage through the Use of Lego Robotic Technology
Quelle	In: Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 24 (2008) 4, S.387-401 (15 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1449-5554
Schlagwörter	Experiential Learning; Constructivism (Learning); Teaching Methods; Technology Uses in Education; Manipulative Materials; Toys; Robotics; Scientific Principles; Construction (Process); Mechanics (Physics); Classrooms; Science Instruction + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Experiental learning; Erfahrungsorientiertes Lernen; Teaching method; Lehrmethode; Unterrichtsmethode; Technology enhanced learning; Technology aided learning; Technologieunterstütztes Lernen; Hilfsmittel; Toy; Spielzeug; Robotertechnik; Aufbau; Konstruktion; Mechanik; Classroom; Klassenraum; Teaching of science; Science education; Natural sciences Lessons; Naturwissenschaftlicher Unterricht
Abstract	Science educators advocate hands on experiences and the use of manipulatives as important for children's conceptual development. Consequently, the utilisation of "Lego" robotic technologies in teaching and learning has become more prevalent in school science classrooms. It is important to investigate their value as educational tools, particularly their role in helping children develop conceptual understanding of scientific principles. The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of robotic technology with elementary age children, specifically focusing on the children's conceptual development concerning gear function and mechanical advantage. Our results indicate the robot sessions helped develop the students' understanding of gear function in relation to direction of turning, relative speed, and number of revolutions. However, when we examine the children's understanding around the concept of mechanical advantage, we still see the majority of children unable to provide an accurate explanation. The children had difficulty explaining the reasons underpinning their gear arrangement choices for making their robots fast or powerful. The results suggest that providing students with physical experiences is not enough for students to "discover" the relationship of gears to a vehicle's power and speed. A guided inquiry instructional approach is important during the early stages of developing a conceptual understanding of mechanical advantage. (Contains 6 figures.) (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education. Ascilite Secretariat, P.O. Box 44, Figtree, NSW, Australia. Tel: +61-8-9367-1133; e-mail: info@ascilite.org.au; Web site: http://www.ascilite.org.au/ajet
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10