Computational Modeling at Lee's Summit High School

Abstract

This proposed workshop will concentrate on using modeling software such as Stella II, from High Performance Systems, to create models of real world dynamic systems. This type of modeling allows for an active learning environment with student or teacher directed investigation. Powerful analysis tools allow students to build understanding and multimedia capabilities allow for different learner styles. Sample models created by students and teachers involved with Project MOST, an NSF supported project, will be presented. Participants will help in the development of a dynamic population model during the workshop and will be provided the opportunity to create their own models with the software or to explore further the sample models presented.

Workshop Description
This workshop will focus on manipulating dynamic models which have been constructed by teachers and students in Project MOST, a project supported by the National Science Foundation. Participants will also be guided through the process of building new models from scratch. Workshop participants will participate as a group in the building of a model during the presentation and will continue working with the software in the hands-on lab.

Overview
Constructing Mathematical models of real world problems is made possible with STELLA II through the application of differential equations. The equations can be transparent to the user and, certainly, an understanding of differential equations is not necessary. It is merely necessary to discuss how the phenomena changes with respect to time to get an understanding of how to build models in STELLA II. During this workshop we will focus on discussions of phenomena which exhibit change over time.

How the workshop will be structured
The workshop will divided into two portions; a introduction portion and a hands-on portion. During the introduction portion we will discuss and demonstrate the software program STELLA II from High Performance Software. We will then look at a population model that has already been constructed. We will then build a sample financial model using participant input. We can use this model to demonstrate the value of the graphs and tools which make it easy to manipulate initial conditions. We will also show a sample of the same model using a common spreadsheet rather than the STELLA software so that participants can see how modeling can be done without expensive software. We will close with an explanation of what is available for the lab portion of the workshop.

The Construction of a model
For the purpose of demonstrating the process of building a model, we will choose a model which has universal relevance such as a financial model. This model will demonstrate the STELLA interface and programming features, as well as the thought processes needed to construct a model. We will also use this opportunity to show that the same results can be achieved using an ordinary spreadsheet.

Example models
We have been integrating modeling concepts into the computational science class that is taught at Lee's Summit High School and Lee's Summit North High School as well as a number of other classes in math and science including the Calculus and Calc-based Physics block class. During this time students have constructed models that we will make available. In addition, we had a summer workshop during June of 1996 for schools participating in Project MOST in which we brought teachers in for four days to participate in the process of building models which they will use in their science and math classes during the course of this year. We hope to have examples from all of the major disciplines in science and some generic models which could be used in math or business classes.

Integration into curriculum
We will spend some time talking about strategies we and others have used to help teachers integrate modeling into their curriculum. This component is essential for a successful implementation of modeling in the classroom.

Hands-On Session
During this session, participants will be asked to either manipulate the initial conditions models which have already been completed and make judgments about the phenomenon based upon the obtained results. Participants will also be encouraged to build their own models from scratch with help from the presenters and volunteers.

Follow Up
One of the goals of our session will be to help foster the use of modeling as a problem-solving strategy. We also hope to encourage others to develop the practice of creating models and sharing them with other schools. To that end we will make a Web site available for people to post models that they have developed so that other teachers may use them as a resource.