
GIREP Seminar
2003
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This paper presents some reflections and considerations about a new model
to be implemented in our country. This will consist of the teaching,
learning, and investigation in the Natural Sciences from elementary
educational level to higher education. Besides, this model will be
focused on the integration of two valuable resources: learning centers
and science laboratories. Both resources will be provided by Ministry
of Education of El Salvador. With this model, our country will reaffirm
its global vision about the importance of the Natural Sciences as
a main foundation for the development of a country and as a strategic
key to create knowledge and technological development.
The first step has been aimed at the training in the use and handling
of two software: Modellus and Chemlab (physics and chemistry). With these
tools, students and teachers could model, simulate, and animate some
topics in those areas. However, the training is not enough by itself
due to certain limitations. We must try to integrate them as an element
with the same importance like science labs. With this point of view they
have become almost unlimited tools because the students and teachers
can use real data in the student´s and teacher´s environment.
This model will have a new dimension in the teaching and learning of
natural sciences by introducing a new model in scientific investigation
in Salvadorean educational system.
The second step is to introduce some kinds of sensors and lab instruments,
which could measure several variables like humidity, acidities, temperature,
wind speed, among others. With these data, the teachers and students
could model in Modellus and Chemlab how the behavior in natural phenomenon
in Physics and Chemistry is. Besides, we want to create a distributed
data base in the fourteen provinces in El Salvador. As a result the departments,
ministries and offices of the government will have access to valuable
and scientific information at any time and anywhere. This will be a great
help to create a new way in the teaching, learning of Physics and Chemistry
and overcome the traditional problems that have always impeded the study
of them.
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