The use of simulations is another way in which Computational Thinking can be encouraged in the science class. By programming computer simulations, the students simultaneously acquire a deeper understanding of the scientific phenomena behind the simulations.

Examples:

• Programming a simulation of ideal gases to derive gas laws
• Changing parameters in an ecosystem simulation and examining the effects

The use of such models addresses the core concept of abstraction and is also part of the work of scientific researchers – for example, in the form of complex climate models.

However, the students do not necessarily have to program the models themselves! Existing simulations in which parameters can be actively changed can be used to make complex scientific content more easily accessible. A good point of contact is, for example, the University of Colorado website, which provides numerous free simulations for math and science lessons: https://phet.colorado.edu/