DynaLearn curriculum for environmental science

This Deliverable presents DynaLearn curriculum for environmental science, based on the work developed in WP6 and on evaluation activities in WP7. Contents for the curriculum is provided by the work done in Tasks 6.1, 6.2 and 6.4 and includes 65 representative topics in seven main themes selected from the environmental science curricula of pre-college schools and undergraduate courses in the partners’ countries. These topics were explored by 210 models produced in the six DynaLearn Learning Spaces. One of the most important educational goals to be achieved is the development of learners’ systems thinking. Accordingly, means to represent causality in different Learning Spaces of DynaLearn are discussed, and the (mathematical) bases for a qualitative system dynamics were clearly defined. The pedagogical approach is learning by modelling, exploring a set of model patterns - generic and transferable pieces of model structures that frequently appear in environmental science models produced in Tasks 6.2 and 6.4 - to get a handle on how to represent domain knowledge. Based on cognitive, reasoning and systems thinking skills, key points for building qualitative system dynamics models and the possibility of combine model patterns, the basis for learning by modelling were settled. Good modelling practices suggest a framework for developing models so that semantic - based DynaLearn functionalities may facilitate learners’ development of self-directed and autonomous learning capabilities. This way, it is expected that DynaLearn
curriculum will contribute for motivating learners to take science subjects and for
improving science education.