Social Studies Simulations

Picture: The simulation book that Mr. Pant got the simulation information form

Picture taken by A.J. Uzeta

In Mr. Pant’s 7th Grade classes, to help them learn about trade and exploration, he has come up with a simulation. Usually, you would see simulations in video games or electronics, but not here at DRSS. When asked what gave him the inspiration to do a simulation, Mr. Pant replied, “I got my idea from Mrs. Miller, who did a simulation like this before me.” The simulation simulated that all of the students in the 7th grade class were sailors and explorers, and the sim had a choose-your-own-ending type of format. A choice would come up on the board, and the students would pick their side. Once done, both outcomes were shown, and for what outcome you picked, you would follow the instructions until everyone got back on the same page. When asked what the process of creating the simulations was, Mr. Pant replied, “I bought the book with the simulation stuff in it, then I added some supplemental readings. I then added it to PowerPoint, and added sounds, lights, and vocal parts to make it seemed more complete than just what Scholastic (the company that produced the simulation book) put in the book. I also added the sounds, lights, and vocal parts to make it seem more fit of PBL learning here at STEM.” As the simulation progressed, the sounds of the ocean and a creaking boat could be heard when you were at sea, and not heard when you were on land. At the point of a storm, crashes of thunder could be heard, and the lights would flicker to simulate lightning. It certainly was fun. When asked what his favorite part of the simulation was, Mr. Pant replied, “The notes you guys took, and the journal entries, because I feel like you guys learn more like students when you learn interactively. I like how through pretending, you guys learn the content on an up-close experience.” The journal entries were something that had to be completed at the end of each day’s simulation. In the journal entries, you were supposed to write down what happened that day in detail, describing every feeling you had while still being in character. Overall, it seemed to be a success, but not many kids seemed to think so. When asked what his least favorite part of the simulation was, Mr. Pant replied, “It’s tough to assess students throughout, because there’s not a lot of discussion. Like, I get to watch you guys, but I don’t get to be a part of your guys’ learning. I’m jealous I don’t get to participate. I feel like I could make it better, because it was a little long, and less kids liked it. Like, on the last day, some students seemed kinda done with it. I would like to add more conflict or action. Which is unfortunate, because Mr. Pant himself seemed to think it went well. When asked how he would rate the simulation’s turnout on a scale form 1-10, Mr. Pant replied, “9, because there is always room for improvement. It went better than last year, because I feel like you guys took notes better overall, which makes your guys’ journal entries more authentic.” The simulation overall was a fun, creative way to help students learn about trade and exploration, and I can’t want to see what Mr. Pant, and all the teachers, do in the future for the students of DRSS.