Using Concept Maps

Modeling Systems

Spreadsheets Systems Modeling

Team members: Joseph Doan, William Rackley &

Lee Watkins
Chapter 5
Modeling Systems
Traditionally educators focused learning on content knowledge and not how
to obtain information that becomes knowledge. In this approach a student is
expected to retain information that is given and not modeled. Therefore the
knowledge stands alone without the structure needed to support the
framework of learning. It is this framework that becomes the trigger for
memory and learning. Frameworks or systems as the chapter describes
them are interrelated and overlap thereby developing true education.

Students need to understand the challenging and intricate systems which

make up the world and how it operates. Models of systems that effect daily
life will provide them with the tools needed to become productive members
of society. It is important that as educators we give them the tools needed
to construct models of their own and not simply give them the answers as if
saying, “Here it is, now go play.”

Content Education fosters the idea of simply giving students a world

learning. Which like handing your car keys to a child without the benefit of
driving lessons.
Modeling Systems with Concept Maps
Learning is like taking a trip around the world, requires planning and many,
many steps.

Figure 1

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Modeling Systems with Systems Modeling Tools

Concept maps can be used to model systems. However, according to
Jonassen, concept maps “cannot represent the dynamic nature of
interactions” (pg. 50) between the various components of the system.
Systems modeling tools such as STELLA allow users to construct dynamic
models then test the model by performing simulations. In other word,
systems modeling tools gives investigators the ability to add the “what if”
factor in their model, thus capturing the dynamic nature of all true systems.
Figure 2 illustrates a system model of the path of a projectile and how that
path is influenced by the various components (drag, angle and initial
velocity).

Figure 2

The difference in the level of complexity achievable between using a concept

map and a system modeling tool can clearly been seen by comparing figure
1 to figure 2.

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Modeling Systems with Spreadsheets

Spreadsheet

Easy to Use Versatile

Effective for illustrating dynamic interactions among co

Figure 2.

Spreadsheet:

1. Accounting. A work sheet that is arranged in the manner of a

mathematical matrix and contains a multicolumn analysis of related
entries for easy reference on a single sheet.
2. Computers. ELECTRONIC SPREADSHEET.
spreadsheet. (n.d.). The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English
Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved January 29, 2010, from
Dictionary.com website:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/spreadsheet

Effective for illustrating dynamic interaction among components:

One example predicts offspring from monohybrid plants that are

homozygous and heterozygous for a dominant trait.
Easy to use:

1. Several different software packages available: MS Excel, Open Office

Calc, Spreadsheet Professional
2. Install and go.

Versatile:

1. Math models
2. Graphs
3. Charts

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