Model building by adult scientists is richly rewarding intellectually. Can the intellectual benefits be reaped by young children who build animated computer models as part of their science study?

This was the opening question posed by Prof. Clayton Lewis, on research sabbatical in KMi from the University of Colorado Computer Science department, who presented a fascinating talk about the sTc (Science Theater/Teatro de Ciencias) Project. This has been introducing multimedia simulation tools into school science lessons in a range of different school settings. Prof. Lewis reported both positive and negative findings, highlighting the complexities in designing productive model building tools for school age students.

sTc Project publications can be found at:

* http://www.cs.colorado.edu/~crader/

Clayton Lewis can be contacted in KMi until mid-December