What is Satellite City Praxis?
Satellite City Praxis (SCP) is a multmedia-based curricular experience designed to engage student thinking about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) concepts and principles. The setting for SCP is in a technologically advanced society that operates on a multitude of real-world energy sources. The main setting for SCP is in a place called Satellite City, although the main character lives outside of Satellite City. Satellite City is filled with all sorts of engineering marvels and technological wonders which make it a fertile ground for exploring various concepts and principles inherent within STEM education. The main idea is to interpolate math and science principles used in engineering and technology-related disciplines within an intriguing plotline. SCP employs cartoon animation as the main media device, in conjunction with computer-based learning, and hands-on activities to convey STEM concepts and principles. The pilot episodes are based on hands-on physics activities designed to tap the major learning categories, namely knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation. We believe that learning is more than how well an individual can recall facts but is more of an indication to how well individuals can transfer what they learn to real-world applications in order to solve real-world problems. The target population will be 9th grade students although the subject learning units can be used at a variety of grade levels.
The rationale for using cartoon animation and storytelling in STEM is that we live in a society/culture that is very visual and oftentimes it is not that students' lack an interest in STEM fields, especially math and science, but their lack of interest lies in how it is delivered (i.e., textbook-based, traditional lecture method). Our hypothesis is that if math and science concepts were attached to something that engages student interest (e.g., cartoons, comic books, and/or multimedia delivery systems) then students would find greater relevancy and cross curricular applicatons.
Cartoons provide a medium for students to to explore virtual worlds, share ideas and to create their own vision while examining aspects of their own thinking (i.e., metacognition). Also, most of us grew up watching cartoons and realize the universal appeal that they have on our thinking and imaginations. For example, Cyberchase (See link on right side of screen) is a PBS-aired cartoon that uses animation to convey mathematical concepts and principles. Studies have shown that students who have watched the show tend to have increased levels of mathematical proficiency versus those students who learn via traditional methods of delivery (i.e., lecture and test, memorization, info-recall).
Using the E5 approach to learning (See Curriculum Development Section on Home Page), namely, engage, explore, explain, elaborate and evaluate, BlackSpace Digital Unlimited has developed 15 pilot modules concerning circular motion that will provide the pedagogical basis for concepts and principles that will be delivered via the Satellite City Praxis Episodes. The pilot episode involves concepts and principles dealing with forces and vectors. While the cartoon animation is being developed, we will release a comic/manga-style book in order to have some sort of deliverable on-hand to increase interest in the project.
The following sections introduce the main character, Dayton "Space" Spacey, and a glimpse into his backstory.
The rationale for using cartoon animation and storytelling in STEM is that we live in a society/culture that is very visual and oftentimes it is not that students' lack an interest in STEM fields, especially math and science, but their lack of interest lies in how it is delivered (i.e., textbook-based, traditional lecture method). Our hypothesis is that if math and science concepts were attached to something that engages student interest (e.g., cartoons, comic books, and/or multimedia delivery systems) then students would find greater relevancy and cross curricular applicatons.
Cartoons provide a medium for students to to explore virtual worlds, share ideas and to create their own vision while examining aspects of their own thinking (i.e., metacognition). Also, most of us grew up watching cartoons and realize the universal appeal that they have on our thinking and imaginations. For example, Cyberchase (See link on right side of screen) is a PBS-aired cartoon that uses animation to convey mathematical concepts and principles. Studies have shown that students who have watched the show tend to have increased levels of mathematical proficiency versus those students who learn via traditional methods of delivery (i.e., lecture and test, memorization, info-recall).
Using the E5 approach to learning (See Curriculum Development Section on Home Page), namely, engage, explore, explain, elaborate and evaluate, BlackSpace Digital Unlimited has developed 15 pilot modules concerning circular motion that will provide the pedagogical basis for concepts and principles that will be delivered via the Satellite City Praxis Episodes. The pilot episode involves concepts and principles dealing with forces and vectors. While the cartoon animation is being developed, we will release a comic/manga-style book in order to have some sort of deliverable on-hand to increase interest in the project.
The following sections introduce the main character, Dayton "Space" Spacey, and a glimpse into his backstory.
posted by BlackSpace Digital Unlimited at 9:16 AM
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