How does a visual simulation program support students creating science models?

This study has grown out of a research project working with 4th and 5th graders to create animated computer models of scientific concepts covered in their science curriculum. We are using a visual simulation program called KidSim developed by Apple Computer. In the grid-based KidSim environment, children employ programming by demonstration to create graphical rewrite rules which control the movements and appearance of the objects in their models. KidSim offers children the basic functionality of a programming language in predominately visual form. The students use KidSim as a modeling tool to design their own concrete representation of an interesting science phenomenon. Due to the accessibility of picture-based software, students can create, manipulate and revise their own models. By taking a more active role in the learning process, students can develop a more in-depth understanding of scientific concepts. After working with the children for one semester, we wanted to determine how well KidSim supported them in their model-building efforts. We report here our own observations of what challenged the children, results of a survey completed by the children and an analysis of programming language features used in their models compared to an experienced programmer's models.