@inproceedings{092d7f8286c84fd9b990565ce51b03c3,
title = "Position: Building Blocks for Agent-based Modeling Can Scaffold Computational Thinking Engagement in STEM Classrooms",
abstract = "Computational models and simulations can be powerful tools to help learners understand a wide variety of natural phenomena. However, understanding and learning from computational models requires learners to comprehend the rules agents follow that lead to emergent outcomes. Blocks-based programming is useful in scaffolding learners in the early stage of programming tasks. We posit that students can authentically interact with agent-based modeling via a blocks-based dialect of the popular ABM language NetLogo, dubbed NetTango, across many difficulty levels. Specifically, we discuss three different activities in which we have integrated blocks-based programming into STEM classrooms that show blocks can be used for activities of increasing computational engagement and difficulty.",
keywords = "NetLogo, STEM education, agent-based modeling, blocks-based programming",
author = "Connor Bain and Gabriella Anton and Michael Horn and Uri Wilensky",
note = "Funding Information: This work was made possible through generous support from the National Science Foundation (grants CNS-1138461, CNS-1441041 and DRL-1020101), the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program, and the Spencer Foundation (Award # 201600069). Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2019 IEEE.; 3rd IEEE Blocks and Beyond Workshop, B and B 2019 ; Conference date: 18-10-2019",
year = "2019",
month = oct,
doi = "10.1109/BB48857.2019.8941204",
language = "English (US)",
series = "Proceedings - 2019 IEEE Blocks and Beyond Workshop, B and B 2019",
publisher = "Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.",
pages = "1--4",
editor = "Mark Sherman and Franklyn Turbak",
booktitle = "Proceedings - 2019 IEEE Blocks and Beyond Workshop, B and B 2019",
address = "United States",
}