Bridging the gap: Cognitive scaffolding to improve computer programming for middle school teachers

Serendipity is a program targeted at middle school teachers with the goal of implementing dynamic system modeling across disciplines. The project targeted 3 teachers: science, math and social studies. Serendipity began during the summer where they were introduced to StarLogo, simulation software built on Logo. The goal was for each teacher to develop and to integrate a model into their core discipline. At the end of the summer the teachers had developed targeted models: FoodWeb, BandWagon and Debit or Credit. In order for the teachers to be able to program StarLogo effectively they had to conceptualize how they could use the software to teach important concepts in the core discipline.