This is a proposed online systems dynamics modeling and simulation-learning lab for graduate students in a sustainability leadership program for chemists and non-chemists at Arizona State University. This learning lab is fully online and uses active learning principles wherein students learn by doing and apply theory into real world application.A simulation and modeling program called insightmaker.com provides a web-based graphic user interface to add primitives such as stock and variables and make connections using link and flow elements. A simulation run shows the defined stock against a timeline on a dynamic graph. This simulation is free to use for the student.Students will analyze a sustainability issue facing a resource constrained environment such as the Sonoran desert and model their solution in the Insight Maker simulation application. Their task is to weave a narrative story behind their proposed solution to allow stakeholders, executive champions, constituents and communities to see the value of their solution from the point of view of the end-user.This simulation allows students to perform a proof of concept for a sustainable solution. As a proof of concept, this modeling and simulation set of tasks provides a foundation to pilot a proposed solution on a larger and complex scale. Students can demonstrate, make predictions of system performance and offer strategies and solutions for optimization. This lab allows students to visualize and measure risk in a proposed strategy without interrupting mission critical processes of a production or a client's business. Various �what if� scenarios can be devised and a simulation run on that new value or parameter in an efficient and timely manner.The culminating assessment activity of this lab will be the creation of a compelling presentation and showcase the student's sustainability solution using a systems dynamics modeling technique. A strong emphasis on creating a compelling story for the presentation is required.

Sustainability systems simulation for chemists and non-chemists

248th National Meeting (2014)

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