Jacket’s Garage: Software for a Physical Science Learning Environment

The Learning by Design lab has been developing software and curriculum to support learning in the context of design challenges. We have used software to guide learners through design and investigation practices as well as help them describe their scientific observations. In this paper, we present easy-to-use software tools that support learners in their construction of robust science conceptions. We investigate how multiple representations such as diagrams, graphs, and animations can provide support for knowledge construction. In addition, we investigate how explanation templates scaffold learners’ interpretations of science. We have combined these tools into one software environment, Jacket’s Garage.Janet Kolodner - Faculty Mento