MCPSS Instructional Technology

Free, web-based and open-source software to engage students in systems thinking through designing, building, and revising models.
An easy to use drag-and-drop tool for basic diagramming for the structure of a system or creation of static equilibrium of time-based dynamic models.
Create and run simulations without coding or writing mathematical formulas. Perfect for introducing system modeling at all levels.

Project homepage, About SageModeler, Getting Started, etc.

SageModeler homepage - https://sagemodeler.concord.org/
App launch page - https://sagemodeler.concord.org/app/
There is a nice getting started lesson built-in to SageModeler
Files can be stored in Google Drive or downloaded
Easy to share from Google Drive

Videos:

Overview/How-To (< 5 minutes)
SageModeler Tutorial - about 17 minutes
Intro to SageModeler - 1 hour webinar
Building a System Using the Sage Modeler - 37 minutes - In this, the host works through the built-in Getting started documentation.
Concord Consortium YouTube Channel

Resources/Help from Concord/SageModeler

Quick Intro - https://building-models-resources.concord.org/SageIntro/sageIntro.html
Example Models - https://sagemodeler.concord.org/example-models/index.html
Curricular Units - https://sagemodeler.concord.org/curricular-units/index.html
SageModeler Help - https://sagemodeler.concord.org/help/index.html
Teacher Guide - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aNr22Mty5clKBOf3w7tZAROqNAJSkbWS3x-EK4a30m4/edit

Modeling/Systems-Related Standards

Next Generation Science Standards - Developing and Using Models - https://www.nextgenscience.org/practices/developing-and-using-models
Next Generation Science Standards (search for "modeling") - https://www.nextgenscience.org/search-standards?keys=modeling&tid_4%5B%5D=All&tid_1%5B%5D=All&tid_2%5B%5D=All&tid%5B%5D=All
NSTA - Science and Engineering Practices - Developing and using Models - https://ngss.nsta.org/Practices.aspx?id=2
alex (Alabama Learning Exchange) - Science Courses of Study - https://alex.state.al.us/browseSC.php

CSV file for Workshop - Lynx/Rabbit Data (download as a CSV file) - form https://www2.nau.edu/lrm22/lessons/predator_prey/predator_prey.html

More from Concord

https://codap.concord.org/for-educators/

SageModeler is a free, web-based systems dynamics modeling tool for middle and high school students to construct dynamic models. SageModeler is being developed at the Concord Consortium and the CREATE for STEM Institute at Michigan State University.

Modeling is key to how scientists approach understanding complex phenomena and how scientific and engineering problems are addressed. And like real scientists, students should explore systems and engage in system modeling as a necessary step in developing scientific literacy. A Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards recognize the importance of systems and systems models as one of the key crosscutting concepts, and developing and using models as a key science and engineering practice.

SageModeler is an intuitive modeling tool for students to build their own models and validate their model design using real-world data. Research has shown that it engages students in the modeling practice and allows them to express their mental models in a way that can be discussed and tested.