As I continue to work with the simulation, Ants on a Slant, I develop more of an understanding of exactly what type of simulation it is. Based on the reading from Gee, I believe that Ants on a Slant is a perfect example of a sandbox simulation. As the students interact with the game they are tasked with having an object be pushed up a log by an ant(s). Below is a picture of how the simulation starts. In order begin moving the object, in this case the blueberry, up the stick the player needs to decide how many ants they believe it would take. If the player decides on an amount of ants that would not successfully move the blueberry they are able to simply add more. This simulation does not make an error sounds or show messages on the screen that discourage the player from continuing, providing a sandbox style simulation.
I also believe that Ants on a Slant provide the players to see these skills as strategies. According to Gee (2007), “People learn and practice skills best when they see a set of related skills as a strategy to accomplish goals they want to accomplish” (40). I see Ants on a Slant as being exactly this. Students are able to navigate through the simulation to develop a deeper understanding on inclined planes, force, and friction. I think students would be able to use this game to help them navigate through real-life applications of these skills.
Katie Ed Tech 586 