Ventana software support forum

Posted: **Thu Apr 30, 1998 12:58 pm**

Linda,

Another package to add to your list is ModelMaker, our simulation modelling
package. Using this software, models can be developed using the powerful
range of numerical tools, while user-friendly front ends (appropriate for
children) can be constructed.

The ModelMaker home page is:

http://www.cherwell.com/modelmaker/index.html

Many ModelMaker examples are included on the page:

http://www.cherwell.com/modelmaker/mm-examples.html

Demo software can be downloaded from the page:

http://www.cherwell.com/support/demodown.html

Peter Bispham

--- ---
Dr Peter Bispham Ph.D. C.Phys. | email: peter.bispham@cherwell.com
Technical Consultant | Phone: +44 (0)1865 784812
Cherwell Scientific Publishing | Fax: +44 (0)1865 784801
Oxford OX4 4GA, UK | URL: http://www.cherwell.com
--- ---

Posted: **Mon Jul 20, 1998 7:19 am**

I am a doctoral student at Harvards Graduate School of Education and am
working on a project with Project Zero (headed by David Perkins and Howard
Gardner). One of my tasks is to compile a list of computer programs
designed to helped kids (K-12) explore complex causality. This is my
initial list:

Stella
Star Logo
Sim City
Model It
Interactive Physics
BeGuile

Are there any I am missing? Should IThink and Vensim be included? Ill be
writing up a description of each, with compelling features, associated
research, costs, etc. Im happy to send a copy of the results when Im
finished.
Thanks, in advance, for your thoughts on this.

Linda

Linda Booth Sweeney
e-mail: boothsli@hugse1.harvard.edu

Posted: **Fri Jul 24, 1998 1:58 pm**

In reponse to Linda Booths query about educational software
>Are there any I am missing? Should IThink and Vensim be included?

To address a VFAQ (V is for Very): The STELLA and ithink software are
identical (save for a few default settings). The extremely important
difference is in the documentation, examples and models that support the
software. STELLA comes with User Guides and sample models designed for
educators. A teacher opening the ithink box, would have to make a pretty
big leap to figure out how to use it with 8th graders (likewise it would
be tough for a business person to start with STELLA). Id use that as the
filter, and on that basis would suggest not including ithink.

My kids get exposed to Widget Workshop in school starting in 2nd grade or
so. Although I am not real high on the program, I think it belongs on
your list as well.

Phil Odence
From: Phil Odence <podence@hps-inc.com>

***************************************************************************

Phil Odence
High Performance Systems
45 Lyme Road, Suite 200
Hanover, NH 03755-1221
voice- 603 643 9636 x107, fx- 603 643 9502, web- http://www.hps-inc.com

Posted: **Mon Jul 27, 1998 6:54 am**

Since you are at Harvard, get in touch with the System Dynamics in
Education group. Im sure they can give you everything you seek.

Bill Braun
From: Bill Braun <medprac@hlthsys.com>

Posted: **Mon Jul 27, 1998 11:50 am**

Linda,

STELLA and iThink are the same thing, in essence. STELLA is specifically
for education so it is a better one to cite. VenSim PLE should definitely
be included. I think you should check out Model It thoroughly- I dont
know whether it actually helps children explore complex causality. I think
that the variables do not have to be causal.

Good Luck- and I would love to have such a list with descriptions!!!

Lees

Lees N. Stuntz
Creative Learning Exchange Phone- 978-287-0070
1 Keefe Road Fax- 978-287-0080
Acton, MA 01720 e-mail- stuntzln@tiac.net
http://sysdyn.mit.edu/cle/

Ventana software support forum

Computer-aided means of exploring complex causality

Computer-aided means of exploring complex causality

Computer-aided means of exploring complex causality

Computer-aided means of exploring complex causality

Computer-aided means of exploring complex causality

Computer-aided means of exploring complex causality