Simulations are fascinating. I am not referring to the one featured in the Matrix films, but rather learning simulations created by teachers in the classroom. Simulations allow students to physically interact (in a limited and imaginary capacity) with the content that they are learning. This direct interaction is often preferred to standard lectures where students take notes via a computer or pencil and paper. Research also shows that students retain concepts when they are able to actively engage with hands-on and experiential learning!
It is easy to see why simulations are preferred. The interaction with the often difficult-to-comprehend topics is what can bring the content to life. It can make complex concepts easier for students to digest and understand.
Making Concepts Easier to Understand
Many students find the complex concepts in social studies boring and/or confusing. Sometimes, I don’t blame them. I personally find economics a drawl subject on a good day, and I understand a student’s perspective when they tell me they are confused or bored with the content matter. However, all social studies disciplines are still important for students to learn, and they need to know the themes in order to be productive members of society.
So, what do you do with a topic that is complex or boring for most students? You make them experience it! Economics is one of the easier topics to develop simulations for because it involves money, trade, goods, etc. Consider trying any of the following Economics-based simulations from Interact: Personal Finance, Exchange, or Economics Made Easy.
It’s not just economics that simulations can enhance. You can also enhance history, civics, or geography lessons with simulations. Simulations enhance any social studies lesson by bringing the past and other cultures from across the globe to life right in the classroom.
For a fun, engaging geography simulation, try a teacher and student favorite, Zombie-Based Geography!
Bringing the Past to Life
Simulation-based learning can be used to bring history to life. While simulations often use seemingly simple materials such as paper, pencils, and glue, a little imagination from teachers and students can make these materials being used for the simulations go a long way. Classrooms can simulate ancient civilizations, debates, revolutions, signing bills into law, and so much more. Teachers can also have students portray certain historical figures in a similar fashion to that of a play. Simulations are an opportunity for students to truly experience the past, instead of just being a passive observer of the past through traditional textbooks or videos.
Government Simulations
In addition to bringing the past to life, simulations can help bring the government to the students as well.The unoriginality of the heading aside, simulating U.S. government concepts is a great way to help bring difficult concepts to life for students. Government can often times be a droll subject, but it is essential for students to learn and understand because they will encounter these themes in some form for their entire lives. Plus, taking civic action and helping students understand their rights as U.S. citizens is a key social studies theme! Some simulation activity ideas include mock classroom elections, debates, and even simulating passing laws and classroom rules via a legislative system. There is so much you can do, and that is what makes simulations amazing for the classroom. They open up so many possibilities.
For a complete civics classroom simulation that students love, try Storypath: Elections!
Endless Possibilities
Simulations can be crafted into anything and everything the lesson needs in order to work well for your classroom, and that’s what makes them fantastic! From preschool to high school, there are simulations that can fit any grade-level to provide a deeper understanding for students. Many materials can be used in creative and interesting ways to create whatever suits the needs of the classroom.
- Do you want students to create maps that chart an area? All you need is paper, and coloring supplies!
- Do you want to simulate a battle? All you need to do is rearrange your classroom, get some paper to make “ammunition” and you’re good to go!
- Do you want students to create their own government? Have them work together to create the different branches of government and have them work as a collective to write their own constitution!
- Do you want a way to convey currency exchange to your students? Create some play money in Google Docs or Microsoft Word and create your own exchange rates. You can then allow students to buy certain goods while requiring them to convert their play money into the correct currency required to pay for the item!
These are only a few of the many ideas and possibilities that simulations open up for your classroom, your students, and your teaching.
Learning simulations are a student favorite in the classroom
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Brendan King is a blog contributor for Social Studies School Service. He loves the study of history and reading any historical work he can get his hands on. More importantly, he is passionate about teaching history and social studies in fun and unique ways. He earned his B.A. in History at the University of West Georgia and currently teaches sixth-grade social studies. His hobbies include reading, playing video games, watching movies, and exercising.