from the animals you shot, you got 1061 pounds of meat; however, you were only able to carry 100 pounds back to the wagon

They say you cannot judge a man unless you have walked a mile in his shoes.  Considering this, doesn't it make sense to use simulations ("attempts to represent and model social systems, often through the medium of a game.") in the classroom to teach modern day students? (Ellis, 2010, p. 178)  In fact, "evidence indicates that simulations of voting, trials, legislative deliberations, and diplomacy can lead to students becoming more interested in and informed about politics and government" (Ellis, 2010, p. 40)  Games like Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?,  Sim City, and Oregon Trail have succeeded in indirectly teaching and are prime examples of good simulations in the social studies classroom.  Computer simulations will be particularly beneficial in teaching modern day students because of how electronic and technological their lives have been their entire life.


It is important to remember that reality is key.  Students will not be able to learn if simulations are fantastical.  Simulations should accurately represent what you want the students to learn.  Of course, it is not practical for students to learn from simulations alone.  Direct and indirect instructional strategies should both be utilized.