1. Elementary Electric Theory
Tamecia Jones
25 Feb 04
LDT229C Winter

2. what
A multi-medium museum exhibit that uses mental models to illustrate electrical circuit theory to elementary and middle school students

3. why
Students have difficulty understanding pathways and relationships in circuits
Multiple representations of circuits exist
Students are less likely to be able to demonstrate understanding when circuits are in various representations
Children are able to play with toys which follow electrical properties without understanding the underlying theory
The opportunity to integrate learning into the play exists if appropriate models are used

4. how
By using familiar cultural and physical models, abstraction of circuit theory can be minimized
Integrating multiple forms of representations of the concepts should support and facilitate transfer from physical representations to symbolic representations
Using toys and multiple media in a combination will allow learners to engage in multi-sensory learning and increase engagement, motivation, and creativity

5. Form options Physical model Simulation
with or without sensors
Interactive
Connected to on-screen simulation
Simulation
projection onto physical model
directing activity of physical model
Simultaneous multiple representations
Transparent x-ray view projected or drawn onto physical model

6. gut challenges
Limited attention time: Museum exhibits have a user time of 7-20 minutes
Is the metaphor so strong that it could impede transfer between representations?
Level on hands-on may determine level of flexibility of exhibit

7. research
A Study of the Effect of Sensorimotor Experiences on the Retention and Application of Two Fundamental Physics Ideas
Conceptual Understandings Resulting from Interactive Science Exhibits
Hands-On Current Electricity: A Professional Development Course

8. First prototype – racetrack/city

9. Next
Observation of users with electrical components