Abstract for: High School Students' Models, Portland OR

Students struggle with abstract concepts. To build an understanding of core concepts in math (algebra, pre-calculus, calculus), in the life sciences, in environmental science, in the physical sciences, in the social sciences, in economics, in the health sciences the creation of visual models has proven to be a powerful and practical tool. Students who have been trained to build models of feedback systems, using a visual software tool have already shown they can think deeply and carefully analyze complex behavior in many situations. Examples of lessons for students and of student work that has taken place at the high school level for over 15 years will be presented.