Title :
Graphic oriented computer programmes aided introduction of mathematical modelling in primary school
Author :
Grubelnik, V. ; Repnik, R.
Author_Institution :
Fac. of Electr. Eng. & Comput. Sci., Univ. of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
Abstract :
The processing of dynamical systems from everyday life requires the development of system thinking and the record of mathematical relations between variables, which is known as mathematical modelling. The dilemma that appears is how to develop the system thinking and particularly mathematical modelling in schools at earlier ages. In order to discuss dynamical systems, the basic knowledge of differential equations is necessary. Therefore, mathematical modelling appears to be applicable only to students. The article represents a possible processing of dynamical systems with graphic oriented computer programmes, e.g. Berkeley Madonna, Daynasys and Stella in primary schools. The programme packages enable the pupils to construct a given system by linking together different graphical objects for parameters, variables, and fluxes of variables. Some actual examples (liquid flow) of the dynamical systems which can be used in primary schools will be shown in the article. In advance the examples of the liquid flows are linked to simple mathematical models which illustrate the object movement influenced by forces. We lay a particular emphasis on a simple mathematical model for free-falling objects in the air since this topic has already been taught at physics in primary schools.
Keywords :
Computational modeling; Computer graphics; Computer science; Computer science education; Differential equations; Educational institutions; Fluid flow; Mathematical model; Mathematics; Packaging; computer; dynamical systems; mathematical modelling; primary school; system thinking;
Conference_Titel :
MIPRO, 2010 Proceedings of the 33rd International Convention
Conference_Location :
Opatija, Croatia
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4244-7763-0