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. 2021 Aug 2;3(1):7. doi: 10.1186/s43031-021-00033-y

Table 1.

PBL design features, PBL strategies/activities, and associated teacher and student supports to CT

PBL design features PBL key strategies and activities [Supports to CT aspects]
Focus on learning goals Develop performance-based learning goals by integrating core ideas with science practices that intersect with CT [CT1]
Start with diving questions Use Driving Question Board [CT1, 5]
Participate in science practices

Select science practices intersected with CT, constructing and revising models, and develop associate learning activities

M1. Characterize problem or phenomenon to model

● Use Driving Question Board [CT1]

M2. Define the boundaries of the system

● Develop mechanistic model illustration [CT1]

● Create a computational model using SageModeler focusing on measurable key elements (variables) [CT2]

M3. Design and construct model structure

● Create a computational model using SageModeler focusing on relationships among variables [CT2]

M4. Test, evaluate, and debug model behavior

● Run simulation [CT3]

● Generate graphs using simulation output [CT4]

M5. Use model to explain and predict behavior of phenomenon or design solution to a problem

● Run simulation [CT5]

● Generate graphs using experimental or real-world data [CT4]

Create a set of tangible products through collaborative activities

Design collaborative learning activities for students to create products

● Work in pairs; Share and evaluate products; Communicate their products to others [CT3]

Student products

● Mechanistic model illustrations [CT1]

● Computational models [CT2]

● Data representations [CT3, 4]

● Written explanations [CT5]

Scaffold with learning technologies

Select technology tools to engage students in CT and support collaborative learning

● Driving Question Board [CT1, 5]

● SageModeler modeling tool [CT2, 3, 4]

CT1 Problem decomposition, CT2 Computational artifacts creation, CT3 Testing and debugging, CT4 Generating, organizing, and interpreting data, CT5 Iterative refinements