Developing an introductory curriculum in system modeling and simulation: The system dynamics approach

Abstract Under a grant from the Office of Education, a set of self-teaching, introductory materials in system dynamics has just been completed. The curriculum consists of six student learning packages which integrate text material, completely worked through examples, and open-ended exercises. The packages take students from initial problem conceptualization to building a mathematical model of the problem under study, and simulating the model over time with the aid of a computer. The curriculum also includes an extensive teacher's manual and comprehensive answer books. These materials have been and are being pilot-tested at the high school, undergraduate, and graduate school levels. Initial trial results indicate the materials do succeed in introducing computer simulation as a problem-solving tool to these audiences.