Hrothgar IE: A Distributed, Persistent Inquiry Environment for K-12 Learning

he concept of a scalable, interactive simulation environment is explored as a substantive application of High-Performance Computing (HPC) technology within K-12 education. An integrated system, combining a scalable simulation engine, information/discourse database components and WWW-based access is proposed as a prototype framework for an inquiry-based learning environment - a progressive approach consistent with the calls for fundamental changes in science education advocated in both the National Science Education Standards and Project 2061. Pursuing the curriculum issue further, it is suggested that this simulation Inquiry Environment could be positioned as a key tool for constructing knowledge-building representations ('artifacts') in the sense advocated in modern, dialogue-focused theories of learning and teaching. Middle school is identified as the ideal testing area for this approach, with a broad, possibly multidisciplinary subject matter for the simulation (e.g., ecology, government, and economics). A number of technical issues related to design choices and implementation strategies for the simulation engine are explored. It is argued that the HPC features within the system design are essential in enabling the overall educational goals. The next steps in the implementation process are discussed, emphasizing the need for a collaboration of computational scientists, educators, and cognitive scientists in the identification of simulation scenarios and associated curriculum elements