Constructionist Theory

Constructing hypothesis are things that we do in science all the time.  I have been teaching kids how to create hypothesis all the time, however the type that we make aren’t quite the same as what this type of theory are talking about.  In reading through the chapter on testing hypothesis I found that the hypothesis wasn’t nearly the focus.  It was the research that was collected and the analysis of that created the product that is used for the constructionist theory. 

For nearly a decade I have had interest in using probe ware to change the level of thinking in my science classes from a data collection process to an interpretation and analysis process.  It looks like the near future will allow this to happen for two reasons.  Our district is looking into improving our science support with the new state requirements, and I have just recently discovered some of the internet applets that allow the kids to collect and record data in real time.  Using these devices will allow us to minimize the error and also to spend more time interpreting the data rather than collecting and graphing it. 

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer).(ND). Constructionist and constructivist learning theories [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology [DVD]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.