Hestenes & NGSS Bottorff

Hestenes focuses mostly on modeling and therefore clearly covers the NGSS practice of developing and using models. Specifically, Hestenes details various games that can be used to develop and use models. His theoretical games work to build models from data (building), study the properties of models (ramification), or match models to new data (deployment). He asserts that deployment is an empirical component of modeling, and this statement pairs nicely with NGSS practices. Matching models to new data, i.e. revising models, is a central component of modeling. He also details experimental games whose focus is to test and validate models, also fitting nicely in with NGSS model revision.

According to Hestenes, the ultimate game is to discover the rules of the game of nature (i.e how the universe works). Thus, there's a strong connection to other NGSS practices: asking questions (for science) and planning and carrying out investigations. Indeed, one much be able to ask questions and investigate phenomena in order to detail the rules of the universe!

Despite a strong link between Hestenes and various NGSS practices, there is room for improvement. Although Hestenes does mention the use of data analysis and mathematics to create models and game rules, there is room for development using computational thinking! However, one must consider that Hestenes proposed these ideas two decades ago when computational thinking was harder to implement in the classroom; NGSS, on the other hand, proposes practices understanding modern computational power. Additionally, I think there is room for engineering and physics-centered games to develop in students' minds together. Clearly, physics and engineering and closely linked, and defining problems and designing solutions could hold a much larger part in the use and development of models in the context of games.