The following critique offers support for my belief that learning should be a journey of inquiry for both the student and the teacher. Although our instructor had certain concepts in mind when he set up this experiment, he exhibited flexibility when the students (we as SCIED students) did not proceed in quite the manner he had envisioned. He was aware that we were gaining knowledge that we could reflect upon at a later date. These are qualities that we as teachers must always keep in mind. Even though an experiment doesn't necessarily follow a preconceived path, it is important to acknowledge learning that occurs for everyone involved!

I believe the pendulum experiment we conducted in class could be very beneficial to students because it allows the student to present his own hypothesis and then test it. First of all, I think the discussion aspect would cause students to think carefully about what they predict would happen and why. By following up the discussion with an actual hands on trial, students are able to put thoughts into action. I also think the experiment would be a valuable learning tool because we presented a visual diagram of our results by hanging the various lengths of string on the board in a location corresponding to our findings. This method of summarizing the results helps students form a concrete notion of pendulum action in a far more graphic manner than writing the results in a chart form for instance. Even as an adult, this experiment reminded me of a fact I had learned years ago, but had not internalized!

Regarding the computer software we viewed, as a teacher, I do not believe that I could justify the expenditure of money for this software. Although the cartoon characters were interesting and humorous and the concepts about pendulums were explained in a clear fashion, I did not like the “detached viewer” aspect of the software. The options for student participation were very limited. I would have liked the software better if it had given the students the opportunity to test their hypothesis (right or wrong) and see for themselves what would happen. By allowing the students to try the experiments themselves, it would have caused them to think more carefully about their predictions. In addition, I don’t think this software allowed the students to experience anything that they would have been unable to re-create themselves. Therefore, I would not recommend this software for purchase.

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