Question 1

W Why would a teacher want students to use a computer-based graphing program to construct a graph instead of doing it by hand?
A) The computer-based graphing program is more accurate than one done by hand.
B) The computer-based graphing program automatically constructs the graph to the proper scale, eliminating the necessity of students figuring out the scale for themselves.
C) The computer-based graphing program has several choices of graph construction in addition to the standard bar graphs or line graphs that are familiar to the students.
D) The computer-based graphing program can display several different kinds of graphs using the same data.
E) All of the above
F) None of the above

Accepted Answer

The computer-based graphing program is more accurate than one done by hand, automatically constructs the graph to the proper scale, has several choices of graph construction in addition to the standard bar graphs or line graphs that are familiar to the students, and can display several different kinds of graphs using the same data. Therefore, all of the given options are valid reasons for a teacher to want students to use a computer-based graphing program instead of doing it by hand.

Question 2

W According to the text, which kind of computer-based technology can give the most support to students in their individual inquiries?
A) Tutoring
B) Interactive
C) Experimenting
D) The Internet
E) All of the above
F) None of the above

Accepted Answer

C

Question 3

A constructivist elementary science teacher is having the students explore static electricity by rubbing blown-up balloons of various sizes with a piece of wool cloth and then holding each rubbed balloon above a bowl of puffed cereal. Students measure the distance between the balloon and the cereal when the cereal first begins to be attracted to the balloon, and they measure the number of pieces of cereal each balloon holds. What computer application would help the students interpret their data?
A) Word processing
B) Database
C) Graphing program
D) Graphic organizer program
E) All of the above
F) None of the above

Accepted Answer

A graphing program would be the most useful computer application for interpreting the data collected by the students. This application would allow them to create visual representations of the relationship between the size of the balloon and the distance/number of cereal pieces attracted. This can help the students to see patterns and trends in their data more clearly. Word processing, database, and graphic organizer programs may be helpful for other aspects of the science investigation, but they would not be the best choice for interpreting this specific data set.

Question 4

W What is a computer-based simulation?
A) A program that enables specialized technicians to perfect their skills artificially
B) A program that enables science students to see the results of changing certain variables in an experimental procedure
C) A program that enables people to envision certain catastrophic events such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes
D) A program that enables scientific researchers to predict the result of their research
E) All of the above
F) None of the above

Accepted Answer

A computer-based simulation can be used for all of the purposes listed in the options, from training specialized technicians or professionals, to providing a visual representation of scientific experiments or predicting the outcome of research or catastrophic events.

Question 5

W Why would a teacher want students to use a computer-based spreadsheet in the classroom instead of having students process the data by hand?
A) The computer-based spreadsheet is more accurate than hand-done work.
B) The computer-based spreadsheet can perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately, eliminating mathematical errors that can be made by students.
C) The computer-based spread sheet can prepare graphs of the information on a spreadsheet
D) The computer-based spreadsheet can process more data than students would normally be able to process in the time allotted for an activity.
E) All of the above
F) None of the above

Accepted Answer

Using a computer-based spreadsheet in the classroom offers many advantages over processing data by hand. It is more accurate, quicker, and can process more data than students would normally be able to handle. Additionally, spreadsheets can easily prepare graph reports for the information on the spreadsheet. All of these reasons make using a computer-based spreadsheet a better choice for teachers who want to impart lessons on data processing and analysis to students.

Question 6

According to the text, what is meant by "Interactive Uses of Computers?"
A) Using the computer to help do a task
B) Using the computer to study prepared material
C) Using the computer to work through a tutorial
D) Using the computer to take tests
E) All of the above
F) None of the above

Accepted Answer

Interactive uses of computers refer to situations where the computer is being used to actively help perform a task, such as creating a document or editing a photo. This option encompasses all the other choices listed as well, as they all involve some sort of active engagement with the computer.

Question 7

W A constructivist science teacher is having the students explore the differences between atoms and molecules using reference materials, plastic models, and the Internet. The teacher assigns the students to summarize their findings in writing and turn in the summaries. What computer application would best support this activity?
A) Word processing
B) Database
C) Graphing program
D) Graphic organizer program
E) All of the above
F) None of the above

Accepted Answer

A word processing application, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, would best support this activity as it would allow students to write, edit, and format their summaries with ease. They can also easily incorporate images or diagrams from the Internet or the plastic models they used in their exploration. A database is not necessary for this type of activity, as there is no need to organize large amounts of data. A graphing program is also unnecessary as this activity does not involve any numerical data. A graphic organizer program could be useful, but it is not as essential as a word processing application, as students can create their own graphic organizers using the basic features of word processing. Therefore, the best answer is A) Word processing.

Question 8

W Why would a constructivist teacher use computer-based technology in science classes?
A) The students are familiar with computer technology and many know how to use it.
B) Computer-based technology enables students to gain access to virtually unlimited information on any topic they are investigating.
C) Computer technology facilitates students in their pursuits of avenues of inquiry for which needed resources are not available in the classroom or the media center.
D) Computer-based technology is used by scientists.
E) All of the above
F) None of the above

Accepted Answer

A constructivist teacher would use computer-based technology in science classes because it allows students to access unlimited information, pursue avenues of inquiry with limited classroom resources, and learn about technology used by scientists. Additionally, many students are already familiar with and comfortable using computers.

Question 9

W According to the text, which of the following represents interactive uses of computers?
A) Word processing, spreadsheets, and graphing programs
B) Tutoring programs, film clips, and PowerPoint presentations
C) Computer-based laboratories, probes, and probe data analysis programs
D) The Internet
E) All of the above
F) None of the above

Accepted Answer

The answer of W According to the text, which of...

Question 10

How is a computer spreadsheet best used in a science classroom?
A) To record data
B) To perform calculations with data
C) To learn more about the topic being studied
D) To make a presentation showing what the students in a group did
E) All of the above
F) None of the above

Accepted Answer

The answer of How is a computer spreadsheet best used...

Question 11

W An elementary science teacher is having the class inquire into the differences in change of temperature among a pail of water, a pail of soil, and a pail of sand, all the same size and all standing under direct sunlight for the same length of time. What computer-based technology would provide the greatest support to students in this inquiry?
A) A light sensor
B) A temperature probe
C) A motion detector
D) A pH sensor

Accepted Answer

A temperature probe would be the best choice in this inquiry as it would measure the change in temperature of each of the three materials effectively. A light sensor would measure the intensity of the sunlight and not the temperature change. A motion detector would measure movement and not temperature. A pH sensor would measure acidity or alkalinity and is not relevant to measuring temperature.

Question 12

What is the most common use of graphic organizer software?
A) To show the steps in an experimental procedure
B) To record observations
C) To demonstrate hypotheses
D) To show concepts and their relationships to each other

Accepted Answer

Graphic organizer software is most commonly used to show concepts and their relationships to each other. It allows users to create visual representations of ideas, making it easier to understand complex information and see how different ideas connect to each other. This is particularly useful in educational settings, where students can use graphic organizers to organize their thoughts and ideas, and in business settings, where professionals can use them to create clear and concise presentations that communicate complex information in an easy-to-understand format.

Question 13

W When would a constructivist science teacher use tutoring computer programs?
A) When a topic comes up that is unfamiliar to students and they need to know the background material
B) When a student has missed a lot of school and needs to get caught up
C) When the teacher wants to study a topic in depth before engaging the class in investigations of the topic
D) When the teacher wants to provide basic information about the material the students are exploring
E) All of the above
F) None of the above

Accepted Answer

Constructivist science teachers use tutoring computer programs in various scenarios to support student learning, including when students are unfamiliar with a topic and need background material, when a student needs to catch up due to absences, when the teacher is preparing to delve deeply into a topic, or when providing basic information about the material being explored. These tools can facilitate personalized learning experiences and ensure all students have the foundational knowledge needed for more in-depth investigations.

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of the microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) computer-based technology?
A) A CD-ROM
B) An electronic spreadsheet
C) A graphing program
D) A motion detector
E) All of the above
F) None of the above

Accepted Answer

A motion detector is an example of MBL computer-based technology because it is a sensor that interfaces with a microcomputer to collect and analyze data. CD-ROMs, electronic spreadsheets, and graphing programs are not necessarily MBL technologies.

Question 15

What do most science educators advise about using science-based computer games in the classroom?
A) Don't use games because they are frivolous.
B) Use games because students are familiar and comfortable with them.
C) Don't use games because they don't follow the prescribed curriculum.
D) Use games to replace hands-on activities.

Accepted Answer

Most science educators advise using science-based computer games in the classroom because it engages students who are familiar and comfortable with them. Additionally, research has shown that well-designed educational games can improve learning outcomes.

Question 16

W Why would a teacher want students to use presentation software such as PowerPoint to make presentations for the class instead of doing the presentations using poster board?
A) Presentation software requires that students organize their material in presentation-friendly formats.
B) Presentation software offers more ways of organizing and presenting information than poster boards.
C) Photographs and videos students took with digital cameras can be shown in a PowerPoint presentation.
D) More material can be presented using PowerPoint than using poster boards.
E) All of the above
F) None of the above

Accepted Answer

A) Presentation software encourages organization and structure which is important for effective communication.
B) Presentation software offers more options for visual aids, animations, and multimedia.
C) Digital media can be easily incorporated into a PowerPoint presentation and enhance the overall presentation.
D) PowerPoint allows for more content to be packed into a smaller space and can be easily edited or updated. All of these reasons make PowerPoint a more effective and efficient tool compared to poster boards.

Question 17

Why would a constructivist science teacher want the students to use computer-based laboratory probes to gather data rather than the tried and true hands-on methods?
A) Computer-based probes are more accurate.
B) Computer-based probes can take measurements that students cannot take because of human limitations and limitations of time.
C) The computers that accompany computer-based probes can construct accurate graphs of the data collected by the probes.
D) The computers that accompany computer-based probes can perform accurate mathematical calculations from the data.
E) All of the above
F) None of the above

Accepted Answer

Computer-based laboratory probes offer several advantages over traditional hands-on methods, including increased accuracy, the ability to take measurements beyond human limitations, and the capability to construct accurate graphs and perform mathematical calculations from the collected data. These features align with the constructivist approach by facilitating an environment where students can actively construct their understanding through interactive and engaging experiences with scientific data.

Question 18

W What is the Internet?
A) A network of millions of loosely-connected information sites
B) The same as a web site
C) A system of searching for information
D) A system of cataloguing information into main categories

Accepted Answer

The Internet is a global network of millions of interconnected computers and servers that allows users to access and share information through websites, email, messaging, and various other services. While websites are a significant part of the Internet, they are not the same thing. Additionally, the Internet is not a system of searching for information or cataloging information into main categories, but rather a network that facilitates these activities.

Question 19

How can presentation software such as PowerPoint be useful in a constructivist science class?
A) It can help students clarify and organize their thoughts.
B) It can serve as a method of assessment.
C) It can enable the teacher to prepare and present introductory material that the teacher feels is germane to the lesson.
D) It can serve as a means for students to present summaries of their explorations and findings to the class.
E) All of the above
F) None of the above

Accepted Answer

All of the above options are valid ways that PowerPoint can be useful in a constructivist science class. It can help students clarify their thoughts, assess their knowledge, help teach introductory material, and allow students to present their findings to their peers.

Question 20

Which kind of technology would constructivist science teachers use in the classroom most frequently?
A) Tutoring
B) Interactive
C) Experimenting
D) Microcomputer-based laboratory applications
E) All of the above
F) None of the above

Accepted Answer

Constructivist science teachers focus on hands-on, interactive learning experiences that allow students to construct their own understanding of scientific concepts. This includes tutoring for personalized guidance, interactive technologies for engagement, experimenting for hands-on learning, and microcomputer-based laboratory applications for real-world data analysis and simulation. All these technologies support the constructivist approach.

Quiz 11: Technology in Elementary Science Education

W Why would a teacher want students to use a computer-based graphing program to construct a graph instead of doing it by hand?

W According to the text, which kind of computer-based technology can give the most support to students in their individual inquiries?

W What is a computer-based simulation?

W Why would a teacher want students to use a computer-based spreadsheet in the classroom instead of having students process the data by hand?

According to the text, what is meant by "Interactive Uses of Computers?"

W Why would a constructivist teacher use computer-based technology in science classes?

W According to the text, which of the following represents interactive uses of computers?

How is a computer spreadsheet best used in a science classroom?

What is the most common use of graphic organizer software?

W When would a constructivist science teacher use tutoring computer programs?

Which of the following is an example of the microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) computer-based technology?

What do most science educators advise about using science-based computer games in the classroom?

W Why would a teacher want students to use presentation software such as PowerPoint to make presentations for the class instead of doing the presentations using poster board?

Why would a constructivist science teacher want the students to use computer-based laboratory probes to gather data rather than the tried and true hands-on methods?

W What is the Internet?

How can presentation software such as PowerPoint be useful in a constructivist science class?

Which kind of technology would constructivist science teachers use in the classroom most frequently?