In the course of the preparation for the analysis of modern educational media resources, the sites listed below have been visited for an evaluation as a possible tool for teaching young learners. Of all the simulations and games suggested, two were chosen for educating elementary students about mathematics and physics. Most of the sites listed below were rejected because of the lack of focus in the activities suggested and certain vagueness, which could be the source of misunderstanding among young learners.
Simulations
Science games: Web.
The site provides a plethora of games, each introducing a specific scientific concept.
Science simulations: Web.
The site helps get a basic idea about physics and Newton’s laws of motion.
Physics simulations: Web.
A perfect simulation game, this site helps young learners gain a basic idea about the physical interaction of various objects.
Telescope: Web.
The site is perfect for learning astronomy, i.e., the location of stars, planets, and galaxies. The existing options allow for making the experience as realistic as possible.
Microscope: Web.
The site allows for understanding how a real microscope works.. It helps students train before using an actual microscope in a school setting.
Earth: Web.
A basic Google feature, the application in question is rather a means to locate a certain area than to educate students.
Body: Web.
The site allows for learning about human anatomy and locating the key body organs.
Science Games
Early age: Web.
The site provides a catalog of games on various topics (science, language, history, etc.) for young learners.
Duckie Deck: Web.
The site offers a video demonstration of a classic game turned into an application.
Mathematics video and assessment: Web.
Mathematics interactive: Web.
The site offers its visitors an opportunity to get a general idea of planimetry.
WireStorm: Web.
A rather simple game, WireStorm trains the students’ ability to think logically. The game itself, however, has little to do with science in general and mathematics or physics in particular.
Digital game-based learning with interactive fiction: Web.
The idea of using interactive fiction as the means to enhance students’ sense of language is very appealing.
Nobel Prize games: Web.
Though a lot of games featured on the site are original and exciting, most of them are too specific to be used in the school setting.
Serious Games: Web.
The site provides a range of games and simulations on a variety of subjects.
After browsing through the specified games and simulations, I decided to choose the Physician and the Virtual Manipulatives. The choice was predetermined by their simplicity and user-friendly interface. Unlike other games and applications, the specified ones can be used for teaching the basic principles of object interaction in a very graphic manner, allowing students to play an active part in the manipulations.
More importantly, the students will be able to compare the experience that the simulations have to offer and their real-life experiences, thus, understanding the laws of physics better. The restricted amount of tools combined with the huge number of outcomes on the specified sites was also one of the defining features that influenced my choice as an educator. The instructions provided to young learners – and both sites must be obviously targeted at young students – should be as clear and concise as possible. Thus, the possibility of misconceptions is driven to nil.