Abstract for: Undergraduate Education Using Group Model Building: Gender Bias in Astronomy Case Study

One of the major challenges in the field of system dynamics is insufficient opportunities in undergraduate courses to expose students to system dynamics. General education requirements provide one potential entry point, but short of introducing new courses, opportunities and methods are limited. This paper introduces a novel approach to introducing system dynamics in an undergraduate general education requirement course on writing using group model building exercises. The example is illustrated on the topic of gender bias in allocation of telescope time in astronomy. The paper discusses lessons learned and includes a syllabus with in-class exercises, Stella simulation model and interface. The paper closes with suggestions for expanding the introduction of system dynamics in general education.