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Table of Contents
Computer simulations have been useful to many industries over the years, most especially in education, healthcare, and engineering. They remain a powerful tool that helps people find cost-effective solutions to big real-world problems.
See the fact file below for more information on the computer simulations or alternatively, you can download our 26-page Computer Simulations worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information
Defining Computer Simulations
- Encyclopedia Britannica defines computer simulations as “the use of a computer to represent the dynamic responses of one system by the behavior of another system modeled after it”.
- In simple terms, computer simulations imitate real-world or hypothetical events/systems. They are a tool made up of math, data, and code.
- It is easier to deal with complex situations or systems on a smaller scale.
- They allow users to control different variables and see how the simulation model responds.
- They can help find patterns and make predictions. They show users what happened in the past, what could happen next, or what could happen in the future based on how the model’s dynamic features respond to each other.
- Computer simulation models can help users study and conduct experiments with less time, money, and effort. This is why most companies and organizations prefer using them for testing, training, and more.
- They are especially useful when users want to conduct dangerous and expensive experiments. They allow them to do this while avoiding the potential risks that the study entails.
Simulations in the Real World
- For example, Mitsubishi launched the first car crash simulator. Its purpose was to reduce the cost of collision experiments. Before the simulator was developed, most companies had to collide expensive vehicles and other machines to obtain collision data. The simulation was designed to mimic a car crash and its impact on passengers. It helps evaluate the effectiveness of the vehicle’s protective devices and passengers’ injuries.
- Most educators prefer using interactive simulations to help learners understand difficult concepts in the classroom. This encourages students to actively participate in their learning. They apply their knowledge and skills as they go through the simulation.
- The PhET website offers free interactive math and science simulations for students and teachers. One simulation they offer is called “Gravity and Orbits”. This allows users to “move” the sun, moon, and space station and see how this action affects their gravitational pull and orbital path. Users can also “remove” gravity to see how the different bodies would react.
- Simulation games continue to be popular in the gaming market. The Sims, arguably one of the best-selling games of all time, has been hugely popular with gamers since it launched back in 2000.
- It allows players to live their dream life through their Sim characters. They can choose their characters’ facial features and clothes, design their dream homes, build them beautiful families, and more.
- In healthcare, computer simulation and modelling are used in several ways. For example, simulations can be used to improve treatment for various diseases. Thanks to this powerful tool, healthcare professionals can test different drugs on various patients, see how they respond, and gather data. This data is crucial when it comes to predictive and preventive medicine. Instead of waiting years to gather this data, the task takes significantly less time and more lives are saved in the process.
- Computer-aided design software or CAD is an indispensable tool that architects, engineers, and construction managers use to carry out their work. It speeds up the whole design and construction process. They may use this software to design 3D digital models and evaluate their design before they start construction in real life.
Creating Simulations in Scratch
- Scratch is a free block-based programming platform designed for young people. It allows users to create interactive stories, games, and simulations using coding blocks and sprites (characters).
- To start, go to https://scratch.mit.edu/ and create a free account.
- Once you are done setting up your account, click CREATE to open a new project.
- Since Scratch is a block-based programming environment, creators stack blocks to “write” their code. This stack or collection of blocks is called a script. You will assemble your scripts in your sprite’s script area (refer to the guide above).
- In Scratch, you are coding (or giving detailed instructions) how your sprites should behave on stage.
- The order of the blocks matters. The sprite will execute the command from the top to the bottom of the script.
- The worksheets will serve as your guide in creating your simulations.
- Make sure to log into your Scratch account so you can save your progress each time.
- For a more in-depth tutorial on the Scratch programming environment, download the “Explore Coding with Scratch” worksheet pack.
Computer Simulations Worksheets
This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about the computer simulations across 26 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use Computer Simulations worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about the computer simulations which have been useful to many industries over the years, most especially in education, healthcare, and engineering. They remain a powerful tool that helps people find cost-effective solutions to big real-world problems.
Complete List Of Included Worksheets
- Simulations in the Real World
- Covid-19 Simulator
- Covid-19 Simulator 2
- Covid-19 Simulator 3
- Covid-19 Simulator 4
- Pet Life Simulator Game 1
- Pet Life Simulator Game 2
- Pet Life Simulator Game 3
- Pet Life Simulator Game 4
- Simulator Concept
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Link will appear as Computer Simulations Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, April 29, 2021
Use With Any Curriculum
These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.