An experimental study on the primary model of the application of computer simulation to scientific discovery learning in middle school physics

Computer simulation is usually considerd as an instrument for the scientific discovery learning because it can offer an open exploring learning environment for the learners. Based upon the present researches, we analyzed the activity structure of scientific discovery learning. Moreover, based upon the teaching situation and the earlier investigation, we placed computer simulation as an experimenting and exploring aspect for the scientific discovery learning to offer an environment of experimenting and exploring for the students. Grounded upon this, we designed a primary model of computer simulation that applies into the scientific discovery learning in middle school physics. Compared with the model of scientific discovery learning which are based upon the real situation, the primary model shows almost significant promoting effects upon the students´ mastery of the principle knowledge, significant promoting effects upon the students´ intuitional understanding, significant promoting effects upon the students´ ability of the flexible application of the knowledge, and some negative effects.