March 1998
Date: Fri, 27 Feb 1998
From: Mauro Juarez Castillo <al348058@mail.mty.itesm.mx>
To: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu
cc: Mauro Juarez Castillo <al348058@afs07.mty.itesm.mx>
Subject: " Hi all "
Hi.
My name's Mauro Ju·rez Castillo,i'm just 25, I live in Monterrey,
MÈxico.
The last semester i take the course of Modelation of systems Dynamics,
as
a course of a Master Degree.
Although the course has finished i follow learn more about it.
Regards Mauro.
Date: Tue, 3 Mar 1998 14:56:10 -0500
To: k-12sd-@sysdyn.mit.edu
From: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu (k-12sd)
Subject: SimClassroom & SimBudget
From: "Dr. Jorge O. Nelson" <amerdgo1@gauss.logicnet.com.mx>
To: "'k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu'" <k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu>
Subject: SimClassroom & SimBudget
Date: Mon, 2 Mar 1998 14:04:01 -0600
Please visit http://192.41.56.41/hbcybern to see what's up in
educational
system dynamic simulations.
Date: Mon, 2 Mar 1998
To: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu (k-12sd)
From: Melinda Salazar <msalazar@hopper.unh.edu>
Subject: Re: using system dynamics in the hs social studies curr.
Friends,
I am interested in corresponding with teachers who are using STELLA
within
a high school social studies context. I am working on a project
and would
like to hear others' experiences.
Melinda Salazar
Durham, New Hampshire
From: "Jeanne Zimmerman" <jzimmerm@Charity.trinityvt.edu>
Organization: Trinity College of Vermont
To: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu (k-12sd)
Date: Tue, 3 Mar 1998
Subject: Re: Using STELLA
>From: "Rossomando Philip" (snip)
>Hi All:
>I have read about STELLA but haven't used it myself. What
I would like to
>know is how it really used in an educational environment.(snip)....
Hi,
Please see our website at: www.trinityvt.edu/waters/
jlz
Jeanne Zimmerman
Waters Center for System Dynamics
wat-cent@charity.trinityvt.edu
jzimmerm@charity.trinityvt.edu
(802) 658-0337 x353
"The process is the goal."
From: Transchool <Transchool@aol.com>
Date: Wed, 4 Mar 1998
To: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu
Subject: Re: Using STELLA
Hello, I am the principal at a middle school that is using Stella.
We are
located in Chelmsford MA and would welcome your visit.
Sue Jamback
From: "Dr. Jorge O. Nelson" <amerdgo1@gauss.logicnet.com.mx>
To: "'k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu'" <k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu>
Cc: "'jnelson@narrows.com'" <jnelson@narrows.com>
Subject: Introductions
Date: Thu, 5 Mar 1998
Hi, SD group!
We are a development group using System Dynamics-System Thinking
as ways to
get organizations out of the rut of laundry-list minutae, ad nauseum.
Please check out our web presence @ http://192.41.56.41/hbcybern
to get a
better grip on what we offer to you.
Let us know how we can add to the equation.
Jorge and Jan Nelson
Henderson Bay Cybernetics
Date: Mon, 16 Mar 1998
To: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu
From: Khalid Saeed <saeed@WPI.EDU>
Subject: B.Sc. in System Dynamics
B.Sc. in System Dynamics - Worcester Polytechnic Institute, USA
The Social Science and Policy Studies Department at WPI is pleased
to
announce the introduction of a new undergraduate major leading
to a B.Sc.
in System Dynamics.
The system dynamics major is aimed at developing the craftsmanship
and the
multi-disciplinary skills needed for computer modeling and experimental
analysis of complex social and technical problems encountered
in the course
of planning and problem solving in private and public organizations.
It
prepares students for careers in public and private organizations
maintaining in-house planning and problem solving as well in consulting
for
long-term planning and large-scale system interventions both for
industry
and public policy. The fundamental focus of the program is on
system
dynamics as a problem-solving methodology allowing the graduates
to apply
it to a wide range of policy agendas relevant to engineering,
economic and
societal systems. Application areas of the program are designed
to create
an experience for the student to apply modeling and experimental
analysis
to specific problems, to not only create an expertise in those
areas, but
to also hone the methodological skills so they can be used with
confidence
in other application areas. The major responds to the need for
integrating
specializations to address multidisciplinary problems created
by the
interaction of society and technology.
Please direct queries for admission into the program to:
Khalid Saeed
Professor and Department Head
Social Science and Policy Studies
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
100 Institute Road
Worcester, MA 01609, USA
Ph: 508-831-5563, 508-831-5296; fax: 508-831-5896
Email: saeed@wpi.edu
_____________________________________
Khalid Saeed
Professor and Department Head
Social Science and Policy Studies
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
100 Institute Road
Worcester, MA 01609, USA
Ph: 508-831-5563; fax: 508-831-5896
http://www.wpi.edu/Academics/Depts/SSPS/People/saeed.html
Date: Mon, 16 Mar 1998
Subject: Job Opportunity at High Performance
Systems
From: "Chris Trimble" <ctrimble@hps-inc.com>
To: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu
Positions Available: ASSOCIATE PRODUCER (4)
Field: Multimedia Simulations, Educational Software, Systems Dynamics
High Performance Systems is a rapidly growing software company
which desires to hire four Associate Producers in Cambridge, MA.
Ideal candidates are graduating seniors with technical degrees
and some course work in the field of systems dynamics. Associate
Producers will be involved in all aspects of the development and
sale of new multimedia simulations, including system dynamics
modeling, creative writing, graphic design, digital photography,
filming, sound effects production, marketing communications, and
key sales account management. Modeling proficiency, communications
skills, creativity, teamwork, and motivation are the primary job
requirements. About High Performance Systems, Inc. High
Performance Systems' mission is to improve the way the world works
by creating products and delivering services that help people
build their capacity for thinking and acting systemically. HPS
is a privately-held company located in Hanover, New Hampshire.
It was founded in 1985 by Barry Richmond, a professor at Dartmouth
College, who wanted to release the power of systems thinking from
academia and make it available to the general public. HPS's core
software product for business users, ithink, is a graphical
tool for systems dynamics modeling, and is the leader in this
market. About our Multimedia Simulations We have found
that one of the best ways to introduce large audiences to system
dynamics is through the use of multimedia simulations. Our simulations
are fun, educational, and exciting, and have recently won awards
for excellence in new-media instruction. We have aggressive plans
to expand our product line of simulations for business schools
and corporate training markets through a new office in Cambridge,
MA. About our Cambridge Office In order to accommodate
high growth, HPS will be opening an office in Cambridge this summer.
The office will house approximately 5-8 people, and will handle
all aspects of managing our current line of multimedia simulations,
and developing new simulations. Working in the Cambridge Office
will give the opportunity to get into a new organization with
huge potential at the ground level. It will also give you the
opportunity to work in an environment which maintains a youthful
spirit, prefers jeans to suits, promotes a balanced lifestyle,
and appreciates occasional visits from four-legged friends. If
you are interested in working at a leading edge software company,
on projects that are technical while being creative, and demanding
while being fun, send a resume to: High Performance Systems, Inc.
45 Lyme Road, Suite 200 Hanover, NH 03755 ATTN: Chris Trimble
Or, contact: Chris Trimble, Director Business Schools Business
Unit (603) 643-9636 x129 ctrimble@hps-inc.com Business Unit High
Performance Systems http://www.hps-inc.com 45 Lyme Road, Suite
200 Hanover, NH 03755 603-643-9636 x129 603-643-9502 (fax) ctrimble@hps-inc.com
From: "Dan Burke" <burkeda@n-gate.com>
To: <k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu>
Subject: Stella and Environmental Science
Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998
Anyone know where I can find Stella models
of ecosystems? I
amparticularly interested in a model depicting
the introduction of
aforeign predator and the resulting negative
impacts.ThanksDan Burke
Date: Wed, 18 Mar 1998
From: Niall Palfreyman <Niall.Palfreyman@assyst-intl.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0
To: k-12sd <k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu>
Subject: Re: Stella and Environmental Science
Dan Burke wrote:
> Anyone know where I can find Stella models
of ecosystems? I
> amparticularly interested in a model
depicting the introduction of
> aforeign predator and the resulting negative
impacts.
Hi Dan,
I'm not sure if it's what you're looking for,
but at the link
http://www.springer-ny.com/biology/moddysys/biol.htm
you'll find a book
"Modelling Dynamic Biological Systems"
containing a large number of
population models which may be useful to you.
Have fun!
Niall Palfreyman email: Niall.Palfreyman@assyst-intl.com
assyst GmbH, Henschelring 15a
85551 Kirchheim bei Muenchen Tel: ++49-89-90505-230
Germany. Fax: ++49-89-90505-102/3
From: "Peter Britton" <P.Britton@iggs.qld.edu.au>
Organization: Ipswich Girls Grammar School
To: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu
Date: Wed, 18 Mar 1998
Subject: Systems Thinking in schools
Dear All
I have been given the responsibility of designing
a procedure that
will permit stakeholderd annually review,
deveop and report on the
effectiveness of learning and teaching in
a secondary school.
I have attempted to model the school with
this aim in mind using
systems thinking.
Can you direct me to any useful information
that may help me answer
questions on (a) why use systems thinking
in this context (b) other
work that may have already been completed
that used a similar
approach (c) affirming I am on the right track
or critics of this
approach.
Hope you can help.
Peter Britton
From: <JZIMMERM@Charity.trinityvt.edu>
Organization: Trinity College of Vermont
To: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu
Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998
Subject: Re: Stella and Environmental Science
Dan,
We have a model (Kaibab) that tasks individuals
to "manage" the Kaibab
Plateau: cattle, coyotes, deer. It is in a
group of 12 other annotated
models we call the Demo Dozen: a collection
that illustrates the power
of dynamic modeling. It's a freebie; email
us if you would like to
receive it. Please specify Mac or Windows.
it has been made for use with
STELLA 5.0.
jlz
Jeanne Zimmerman
Waters Center for System Dynamics
wat-cent@charity.trinityvt.edu
jzimmerm@charity.trinityvt.edu
(802) 658-0337 x353
"The process is the goal."
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998
From: "MARILYN F. HUGHES" <HUGHESM@alpha.montclair.edu>
Subject: STELLA Models and Astronomy
To: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu
To All:
Anyone know where I can find Stella Models
for astronomy. I am
participanting in a workshop for 4-8 grade
teachers this summer and wish to
introduce STELLA. One of the areas we will
be looking at is astronomy.
Thanks]
Marilyn Hughes
From: "Dr. Jorge O. Nelson" <amerdgo1@gauss.logicnet.com.mx>
To: "'k-12sd'" <k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu>
Subject: RE: Systems Thinking in schools
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998
Peter Britton wrote:
> Can you direct me to any useful information
that may help me answer
questions on (a) why use systems thinking
in this context (b) other
work that may have already been completed
that used a similar
approach (c) affirming I am on the right track
or critics of this
approach.
[Dr. Jorge O. Nelson] Please check out http://12.6.109.217
for a website
that addresses system dynamics in educational
research and practice. Posted
are papers, dissertation, and articles on
educational research and
s.d.simulations as well as a PowerPoint presentation
of such simulations.
Good luck,
Jorge Nelson
Jorge Olaf Nelson, Ed.D.
Superintendent
American School of Durango, Mexico
mail to: amerdgo1@gauss.logicnet.com.mx
Sixty years ago I knew everything; now I know
nothing;
education is a progressive discovery of our
own ignorance.
-Will Durant
Date: Fri, 20 Mar 1998
To: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu (k-12sd)
From: Samuel Sanchez <rhaa@crosslink.net>
Subject: Re: B.Sc. in System Dynamics - Companies
Don't Care
Cc: saeed@wpi.edu
I am glad to see a formal degree in the field
of systems dynamic, but I am
sadden on the lack of interest/respect industry
has towards this field.
I have a BS ('84) & MS ('87) in computer
science from City College of NY
School of Eng. and 13 years of technical experience
with a strong software
systems/quality engineering expertise. In
addition, I use systems
dynamics/thinking in all my work and teach
it to minority youth, and I
train professionally. In Janaury, I decided
to shop around for a new
computer job in the Washington, D.C. metro
area. I interviewed with about
40 major companies (job fairs, 2nd interviews,
on-site interviews, etc.)
for a technical job (systems eng., testing,
quality, tech. management.).
Conclusion, companies hiring technical (engineering/software)
people could
not care what systems dynamic/thinking and
human relations skills their
future employees have or I had. I find American
companies' mind set is
still behind the times. In fact, many of my
job interviews dealt with
"getting" software teams out of
trouble (crisis management). You can guess
why many of these software groups are in trouble
- no planning, no "wide"
thinking, rush, rush, rush, and frankly speaking,
there are too many
technical (engineers/computer sci.) people
managing software groups with
absolutely NO managment/leadership skills,
and in some case, these people
cannot be trained to (technical) be leaders.
Where does this mind set start? Look at the
corporate structure and
technical training (BS, MS, PH.D). The focus/specialize
mind set is built
into many "fine" corporations and
universities. I have another friend who
worked for a MAJOR database companies. The
company is successful because of
its strong marketing, and it is the only database
company with certain
features and dominates the industry, but the
internal management is out of
alignment. I see these companies changing
when foriegn technology companies
start to eat some (if not all) their lunch.
Remember the Janpanies and
American car "war"? Remember the
frog in the boiling water?
Finally, I wish the program great successful,
but I would align the program
with companies that respect people who are
good thinkers - they also better
know hot to be "good" crisis managers
too.
Samuel Sanchez
rhaa@crosslink.net
>Date: Mon, 16 Mar 1998 15:16:59 -0500
>To: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu
>From: Khalid Saeed <saeed@WPI.EDU>
>Subject: B.Sc. in System Dynamics
>
>B.Sc. in System Dynamics - Worcester Polytechnic
Institute, USA
>
>The Social Science and Policy Studies
Department at WPI is pleased to
>announce the introduction of a new undergraduate
major leading to a B.Sc.
>in System Dynamics.
>
>The system dynamics major is aimed at
developing the craftsmanship and the
>multi-disciplinary skills needed for computer
modeling and experimental
>analysis of complex social and technical
problems encountered in the course
>of planning and problem solving in private
and public organizations. It
>prepares students for careers in public
and private organizations
>maintaining in-house planning and problem
solving as well in consulting for
>long-term planning and large-scale system
interventions both for industry
>and public policy. The fundamental focus
of the program is on system
>dynamics as a problem-solving methodology
allowing the graduates to apply
>it to a wide range of policy agendas relevant
to engineering, economic and
>societal systems. Application areas of
the program are designed to create
>an experience for the student to apply
modeling and experimental analysis
>to specific problems, to not only create
an expertise in those areas, but
>to also hone the methodological skills
so they can be used with confidence
>in other application areas. The major
responds to the need for integrating
>specializations to address multidisciplinary
problems created by the
>interaction of society and technology.
>
>Please direct queries for admission into
the program to:
>
>Khalid Saeed
>Professor and Department Head
>Social Science and Policy Studies
>Worcester Polytechnic Institute
>100 Institute Road
>Worcester, MA 01609, USA
>
>Ph: 508-831-5563, 508-831-5296; fax: 508-831-5896
>
>Email: saeed@wpi.edu
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998
From: Bill Buchanan <waba@scientist.com>
Organization: WABA, Inc.
To: k-12sd <k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu>
Subject: Re: STELLA Models and Astronomy
<mailbox:/HD/System%20Folder/Preferences/Netscape%20Users/Bill%20Buchanan/Mail/Inbox?id=199803160607.WAA03033@mail.sdsu.edu=28000538>
BlueWeb'n Update 3/13/98
Marilyn....
Try the above site from Pac Bell. Has a treasure
of educational models and applications for K-12. Best I've seen.
Cheers.....Bill Buchanan
Date: Fri, 20 Mar 1998 10:26:35 -0500
To: k-12sd-@sysdyn.mit.edu
From: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu (k-12sd)
Subject: List serve Procedure
Greetings to all "k-12sd" list members,
Just a note on how to use information from
this list.
When someone offers materials in a message
to the list, it's best to write
that one person directly (their email address
is there) rather than sending
back your request to the entire 400+ members.
An example from this week is the offer by
Jeanne Zimmerman at Trinity
College to send models upon request. A number
of members wrote the whole
list (k-12sd) rather than back to Jeanne directly.
Thanks for following this procedure in the
future! It works for all the
other listserves you may be on, too.
Best,
Nan Lux, Administrator, k-12sd
Date: Mon, 30 Mar 1998
From: "William J. Costello" <costello@panther.middlebury.edu>
To: k-12 sysdyn <k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu>
Subject: Summer Institute
Just a quick reminder of our summer offerings...see
<www.trinityvt.edu/waters> for details
and application
PLEASE RESPOND SOON....space is becoming limiting!
MIDDLE SCHOOL INSTITUTE
A 5-day Institute for middle-school teachers/teams
designed to address the
use of System Dynamics in meeting the needs
of teaching in an
interdisciplinary team format. The focus will
be on utilizing System
Dynamics (Systems Thinking and Dynamic Modeling)
to enhance students'
critical thinking, problem solving, and communication,
with a specific
focus on addressing the needs of the Middle
School.
DATES: July 6 - 10, 1998
HIGH SCHOOL INSTITUTE: Using Systems Thinking and Systems Tools
for
Addressing Curriculum and Standards
A 5-day Institute for secondary teachers/teams
focusing on the use of
Systems Thinking and modeling tools in addressing
curricular needs and
education standards. The focus will be on
demonstrating student thinking
using the "systems approach:" Systems
Thinking and Dynamic Modeling.
DATES: July 27-31, 1998
WATERS CENTER SUMMER 1998 INSTITUTE FOR ORGANIZATIONAL
INNOVATION
Systems Thinking and Dynamic Modeling To Support
Organizational Reform
and Innovation
An Institute for administrators and teachers
to explore the potential of
using System Dynamics in addressing a variety
of organizational issues
surrounding the educational process. This
Institute constitutes an
initial exploration of a variety of educational
sub-"systems," focusing on
those that most directly affect student learning,
their interconnections,
and the often inadvertent or unforeseen "feedbacks"
which inhibit or
undermine the achievement of desired goals.
DATES: August 3 - 7, 1998
From: GBHirsch <GBHirsch@aol.com>
Date: Fri, 27 Mar 1998
To: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu
Subject: Re: Systems Thinking in schools
Dear Peter,
What you are trying to do could be very productive,
but requires some focus.
"Modeling a school" is probably
too broad an objective to yield anything
useful. You might produce some large, hairy
flow diagrams, but nothing that
would help people think about how to function
more effectively. I've been
working with a group of educators on the much
narrower topic of innovation in
schools. Even with this constrained scope,
the work has identified a complex
set of causal relationships that require a
good deal of effort to understand.
You might instead start by getting people
to identify a small number of
variables that characterize the "effectiveness
of teaching and learning in a
secondary school" (which seems to be
what you are interested in). In other
words, what are the several variables whose
values allow you to describe
whether your school is being effective or
ineffective. Then you and your
colleagues can identify the causal forces
that affect each of these variables
and some of the relationships among them.
In addition to arriving at a
consensus on variables to be measured in an
annual review process, the set of
causal forces you identify can provide a common
framework for discussing
strategies for improving effectiveness of
teaching and learning. As the
discussions go on, you can also add to and
refine this framework.
Hope this is helpful.
Gary Hirsch
GBHirsch@aol.com
From: weward@mindspring.com
Date: Mon, 30 Mar 1998
To: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu
Subject: modeling negative attitudes and behavior
in middle school
students
How can I model destructive behavior in urban
middle schools? Are there
existing models that I can studey?
William Ward
Stone Mountain, GA
End of March 1998