1. Simulation Software Carol Wilson-Duffy PT3 Grant Program June/2000

2. Simulation Software Decisions/Decisions/Choices Choices (7 Time Award Winner ) –15 different titles –The Environment –Building a Nation can be done many ways whole class groups of 4

3. New Features Built in writing module sound enhanced graphics expanded teacher management features handy dandy help menus additional Internet activities

4. What can it do? Main focus is to help students develop Critical Thinking Skills –analyze a situation –determine their goals –consider opinions –make decisions –examine consequences

5. The Environment Topics Covered –Pollution, Economics & the Environment, Land Use, Local & Global Environments (mix of Science and Social Studies) The information is very structured. So students can easily see conflicting points of view.

6. Example of a Situation You are the Mayor of Alpine –groups of 4 –each is an advisor to the Mayor scientist campaign manager environmentalist economist

7. How do to begin... First Problem:The town pond has been polluted and it’s closed down by the Mayor. –Each advisor has information in their booklet They read their information and give their opinion on what the Mayor should do After all 4 advisors speak, they have to make a group decision on what plan of action to take. Students have to think carefully about how their actions will affect their community, their neighbors, and the world.

8. Many Problems There are many problems, with many solutions –Students could role-play over and over and get different scenarios Students also as a group have to decide their overall goals as Mayor and at the end of the program…they get a grade as to how well they accomplished their goal.

9. Real learning Opportunities to evaluate their own success Because the program has so many twists and turns, students get lots of chances to see the outcomes of different decisions.

10. Internet Every month Video (download first, then watch) Download handouts for students Students role-play Write their opinions and post to the web Resources for other links on that topic –gun control –cloning