ABSTRACT
The science theater/teatro de ciencias (sTc) project is investigating the use of models to create dynamic representations of scientific concepts with elementary school students. Our research uses the Apple© KidSim application as a tool for students to create their own models. KidSim enables students to represent scientific phenomena through the use of pictorial-based models, by allowing them to apply 'rules' to the 'pieces' of their model. The dynamic interaction that occurs between the student, computer, and resulting model challenges students' existing representations of the phenomena being modeled (Hutchins, 1995) — as one fifth grader said, the challenge "is getting the model to work." This dynamic distinguishes our approach from other models created through different mediums — story boards, clay, manipulatives, etc..
