Junior Simulation Insight

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KS2 (Years 3 - 6)

Science & Geography

Description

Junior Simulation Insight is a very exciting new piece of software to add to the Key Stage 2 Curriculum. It affords the opportunity to carry out investigations into areas of the Key Stage 2 Curriculum where it would otherwise be impossible or dangerous to venture, or where achieving reliable results would be very difficult. Furthermore, not only can pupils run prepared simulations but, particularly impressively, they can build their own and add graphics and animation. The software features a Scene window with animated graphics, input controls and data displays designed to allow the user to visualise behaviour and a Model window which shows all the variables involved and the links between them.

The program works in four modes which are running, recording, playback and building. Via these four modes there are opportunities to run ready designed simulations which can be loaded from files; choose input parameters and study their effects; study the behaviour of a system through animated graphics; analyse data represented in graphs, bar charts and tables; modify or replace components of a model; build new models and create new simulation scenes with animated graphics. Clearly this is a highly sophisticated piece of software which is, nevertheless, available to Key Stage 2 pupils.

Perhaps the software's greatest attribute for its intended age group is that the user does not need a background in maths or programming to be able to refine existing models or to design and build new ones. This is because the language employed is in English sentences which describe the relationships in ways that can be understood without the need for using algebra. The algebraic alternative is available where its use would be appropriate and it is also very simple to switch between the full sentence, short rule and formula when designing or running a model.

Supporting Documentation

The software is accompanied by excellent supporting documentation in the form of a manual, which can also be downloaded from the CD-ROM and accessed by clicking on the Help button or using F1 whilst the program is running. The instructions to install and run the program are very clear although almost superfluous as the whole procedure is so intuitive. Although I installed the software as a single-user program there was no need for the CD to remain in the drive during use.

The documentation contains a very user-friendly explanation of the Modelling Process and its importance in stimulating scientific thinking. This is followed by an excellent Activities Section where an A4 sheet gives information on the series of ready prepared simulations, which cover a range of topics in Science at Key Stages 2 and 3. These are very informative, containing suggestions for activities, teaching points and notes on the model.

Finally, a very comprehensive section guides the user through the process of designing their own model, including building a Scene window with animations to accompany it.

Technical Support

The Teaching and Learning Guide that accompanies the software contains an invaluable set of Quick Start Tutorials which take the user through the basics of the program in simple, easy to understand steps with clear graphics. These would be suitable for use by more able pupils as well as by teachers. There is also a very helpful section on saving, which includes details of export formats for transferring data to other types of data handling software.

Although a dedicated website for guidance and extra materials is planned, at the time of using the software it was still under construction. Technical support is available by phone during normal office hours.

Purpose of the Program

Junior Simulation Insight is intended to allow Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 pupils to explore, investigate and modify prepared simulations and models as well as to design and build their own - the latter being something that is not easy to achieve with pupils of this age.

Curriculum Relevance

The software is designed to promote scientific thinking at Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 and would be a very useful means of supporting AT1 in promoting discussion and understanding, both via the interactive whiteboard with a class and for children working collaboratively in groups. It also allows an excellent ICT opportunity where it would be quite difficult to carry out the investigation safely, for example, aspects of exercise.

Extent

The software is a great additon to the Scientific Enquiry section of the Science Curriculum in planning, obtaining and presenting evidence and considering and evaluating it. The package contains prepared simulations on a number of topics ranging from growing plants to simple electric circuits, which are ready for children to investigate and explore. There is also the opportunity to highlight and build other models as desired and this could include work in Maths and Geography.

This is, however, quite a sophisticated piece of software and, depending on the background of the teacher using it, would need to be explored thoroughly before using it with pupils, in order to maximise its potential and minimise frustration for both teacher and pupil.

Appropriateness

The software could be used by all year groups at Key Stage 2, although for the younger children in this section it would probably be appropriate to limit the information available to remove any confusion caused by having too much to read at one time. It could be used with a whole class via an interactive whiteboard, in groups or individually to provide extension activities.

Quality

The quality of all aspects of the software including images and text is excellent. The Scene windows are delightful and the animation is a great addition to the program.

The publisher does not make any claims about differentiation and there are no differentiated activities available, although it is very easy to turn off the different windows available at the start of running a simulation and open them again at any time while it is running. This is a piece of software which seems particularly appropriate for higher than average achievers at any point in Key Stage 2 as it allows the competent user to concentrate on complex issues including highlighting an idea for investigation and then designing and building a simulation to explore it.

Junior Simulation Insight provides a very exciting resource to extend work on Scientific Enquiry in Key Stage 2 Science that has hitherto not been adequately met. In addition to prepared resources, there is also a very good content free section to enable users to set up their own models and simulations in a way that is simple enough for pupils of this age to cope with. In doing this it can provide excellent extension activities for able pupils.

Although this program could be slightly daunting at first sight, the extremely clear instructions in the manual lead the user step by easy step from the simple aspects of the software through to very complex procedures. The software could be used by the teacher with a whole class for discussion purposes and also by groups of children working collaboratively.

Product Overview

This product is published by Logotron (Tel: 01223 425558 Free Support Helpline)