Designing Agent-Based Computational Models to Support Epistemically Agentive Learning

School and college education is often disconnected from how professionals in a discipline such as science or engineering participate in their disciplines. Recent curricular reforms in India, as well as all over the world, emphasize that students learn the practices of scientists and engineers. As we integrate newer technologies into schools and colleges and adapt to these curricular reforms, we must think expansively about what it should mean for students to learn and do science in a science classroom. Epistemically agentive learning in a science classroom is about taking an active role in learning how to do science by using practices that scientists use. Following the design-based research tradition in Learning Sciences, my work focuses on creating agent-based computational models designed as Emergent Systems Microworlds (ESMs) to support students in doing science. In this session, I will discuss how students can learn with EMS-based curricula and how to co-design ESM-based curricula with teachers. This work has implications for refining the goals of science education, designing curriculum materials, and supporting teachers’ professional development.