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RecycleJack Marine's picture

Emergence

If many functions of the brain are the result of simple things interacting in simple ways, then the best way I can introduce to elementary students in a science class is to give them tools to create a simple model. 

I would have them first write down what first thoughts come into their heads after making a model and to journal what scientific thoughts they can think of to extend the process. For example, if each student had the materials to make jello, they could combine the required materials to create a solution. Then, when refrigerated, the solution would go from a liquid to a solid: This is a process where simple steps are taken using simple materials to create an outcome, predictable by summaries of lifelong observations. This is emergence- jello is actually a sophisticated model for movement, matter, solubility, texture and other properties. Yet it is made very simply.

This is my first idea of introducing emergence to students in science class.

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