Free Model-Based Learning Resources

Robert Tinker, President of The Concord Consortium, announces that through a series of grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the US Department of Education, the Concord Consortium has been able to produce amazing and innovative software packages and have incorporated them into hundreds of powerful learning activities. Whatever subject being taught, at whatever level, Tinker says that they probably have software-based learning activities that can improve teaching. Although their strengths are in science at high school and college levels, they also have algebra software and sustainable development materials that can be used across all disciplines. This article describes the models, learning activities that use them, and how you can get them. Although free, Tinker says that these are very high quality and have been extensively tested in real classrooms. By using these, providing the Consortium with feedback, and letting it monitor student progress, teachers can help the company collect research data. But that is not required--there are no strings attached.