Scaffolding children's exploration of motion and mechanism
Name
50683969-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
9.86 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
ffbfff79a07de1ddff97f08dffd55026
Author(s)
Shook, Michelle Leigh
Advisor(s)
Mitchel Resnick.
Date Issued
2000
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
This thesis discusses the development of a software system and a collection of manipulatives that help young children, ages 7-10, learn about the core ideas behind the construction of mechanisms and the creation of mechanical motion. The software tool acts as a resource for children to access during their own building activities and provides a support structure for them to scaffold their knowledge of mechanisms and mechanical components. The software accounts for different learning styles, offering three distinct entrances into the system that overlap in content. Additionally, the software provides support for children to connect mechanisms with motions they observe in nature and their surroundings, and to post their own constructions for others to view in an online environment. In the thesis, I describe initial prototypes for the software environment and pre-built mechanisms. Primary observations of first and second grade children's investigations with these prototypes are documented and suggestions are made for further improvements to make the system more effective.
Description
Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 2000.
MIT Institute Archives copy bound: p. [1]-80, 83-86, 81-82, 87-90.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 85-90).
Subjects
Mechanical Engineering.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering
Terms of Use
M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.
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