The design and development of an ICT-enhanced Module concerning density as a property of Materials applied in floating / sinking Phenomena

Abstract

This research is part of a project designed to promote children’s interest both in Science and scientific careers. The project focuses on the specific domain of Materials Science (i.e., the materials around us, their everyday applications and properties). In our research we designed and developed a 10 hour module for studying the density of materials commonly found in the environment, as well as hi-tech materials, and applied it in floating / sinking phenomena. Moreover, in this module, learning the control of variables strategy, as well as aspects of modelling, and the nature and role of models are all promoted, to create an inquiry learning environment of different guidance level. The module is enhanced with Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), namely, multimedia and simulation environments, a visual model for the introduction of density, plus real experiments. It has been implemented in the 5th class of Primary School (10 –11 year olds). In this paper we present the development and evaluation of the pilot module’s phase. The results show relative success in the conceptual part of the module, but moderate success in the procedural.