Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) 2004 Use of Computer Simulation Games for Instructional Purposes in Middle School and Jr. High

The 2004 Summer RET program at the University of Arkansas provided an opportunity for two public school teachers to conduct research in the area of designing and managing supply chains, as well as in basic industrial and systems engineering.Emphasis was placed on how these concepts can be explored through the use of a simulation game that would provide a high interest classroom project based upon sound curriculum.The challenge for the project was to create an activity involving a simulation-based video game relating to a particular aspect of Industrial Engineering.The activity was to then be used as a laboratory exercise for INEG 1103: Principles of Industrial Engineering and also modified for use as a classroom activity for junior high school students.Obviously, a major issue was designing the activity with a proper level of difficulty for both age groups while keeping the subject matter relevant to meaningful engineering and junior high instruction.The materials developed are intended to help students acquire fundamental problem solving capabilities as well as a basic understanding of some tools