Educators

Individual Exploration

Introduction to System Dynamics

The Creative Learning Exchange has created a packet of six articles that introduces the use of system dynamics in K-12 Education. These articles touch on the important concepts of system dynamics, How to implement SD in K-12 Education, and How to explain systems thinking in 25 words or less.

Road Maps: A self-study guide for learning System Dyamics

Road Maps is organized as a series of chapters, and was developed by the System Dynamics in Education Project (SDEP) at MIT under the direction of Professor Jay Forrester. Road Maps teaches the reader how to identify different kinds of systems all around us and how to model these systems. Road Maps can be a resource for both beginners and advanced system dynamics modelers, and requires no previous system dynamics knowledge and only basic math skills.

Modeling Systems Self-taught (MSST)

MSST was devised and constructed explicitly to support K-12 educators (teachers and administrators) in learning the conceptual and mechanical foundations of computer simulation modeling with STELLA®. The Center for Interdisciplinary Excellence in System Dynamics provides the Introduction and first 3 of the 17 Lessons of MSST for free at their site. A full 17 lesson set is also available for sale.

Workshops & Conferences

Systems Thinking in Schools: A Waters Foundation Project

The Systems Thinking in Schools Project runs several training opportunities for educators and others who are interested in expanding their experience with systems thinking. They work with any level of educator who is interested in using the power of System Thinking in their classroom.

The Systems Thinking and Dynamic Modeling Biennial Conference

The Creative Learning Exchange hosts a biennial conference that provides resources and an opportunity for educators and interested citizens to explore what is current and possible in K-12 systems education. It is designed to involve experienced individuals as well as novices. 

Teaching K-12 Students

The Shape of Change Lessons

Using hands-on activities, new learning tools, teamwork, and dialogue these lesson foster a high level of critical thinking and inquiry.

In these games and activities for the beginning Systems Thinker, students explore behavior-over-time graphs and the causes behind the changes.

Dollars and Sense Lessons
An introductory set of lessons focused on teaching about personal finance. Student explore various facets of finance using models as they expand their understanding of finance and system dynamics.