"Piaget suggested that the creation of new cognitive structures springs from the child's need to reach equilibrium when confronted with internally constructed contradictions; that is, when perception and "reality" conflict."
1. I opened with this population counter and asked students to make their best estimate about what the counter would read at an exact date and time. They were just watching the counter so it was pretty difficult to get any data or make any calculated guesses. |
This is where we left off for today. In my opinion, students have made the cognitive shift I was hoping they would. They came in thinking population was linear and left knowing that it isn't. They also have some intuitive ideas about how to make predictions based on how it actually is growing. It's sooooo tempting to step in and explain to them about percent increase, exponential growth, and (for some) derivatives. But, if I did that, I would completely rob them of the opportunity to construct that understanding for themselves. I do know one thing…they're about ready for this awesome video tomorrow!