Re: STELLA

[Dave Hamilton <djhamil@teleport.com>]

> I've been asked to go to a talk on a software called
> STELLA. I think it's like Eureka, Derive and stuff like 
> that. i would like to hear any comments on STELLA from
> any of you who know it:

STELLA is system dynamics modeling software.  With it, the user can set 
up a computer model of a complex, time-dependent system.  A major feature 
is that the user builds the algorithm using a graphical interface of 
stocks (reserviors) and flows.

I use it in two contexts.  One, I use it in my physics classes as follows 
--  Students build models, such as a projectile motion model, that keeps 
track of horizontal and vertical velocity, position, acceleration, etc., 
with air resistance.  They also model the quantities (over time) of the 
parent and daughter nuclides in decay series.  The other context is an 
interdisciplinary system dynamics course.  Here the students choose a 
broader range of systems to model such as (1) the long term effects on 
education of a property tax cut-and-cap measure that passed recently in 
our state and (2) the behavior of our combined sewage/rainwater system 
during periods of light and heavy rainfall.  The goal of the system 
dynamics class is to have students become system thinkers while applying 
their science, math, and social science.

You can learn more about the use of STELLA in HS classes at the CC-STADUS 
home page (do a search for CC-STADUS, I don't have the address handy).  I 
strongly recommend that you invest the time to learn more about this 
software.  

DAve

David J. Hamilton, Ed.D.                    "And gladly wolde he lerne,
Franklin HS, Portland, OR                    and gladly teche."
djhamil@teleport.com                          Geoffrey Chaucer