CAST: 2012
Professional Development Program
Search the CAST Professional Development Program modules
The CAST Professional Development Program is an integrated set of modules to train teachers on how to incorporate computational reasoning and tools, such as modeling and simulation, into their middle and high school math and science curriculum. The modules are in two tracks:
- The introductory track is a set of modules that focuses on how to use models and simulations that already exist and are available over the internet, with enough understanding about how such models work to know how to use them effectively in the classroom.
- The depth track is a set of modules that provides more in-depth understanding and hands-on experience with the different modeling tools. This track is intended for new CAST PDP trainers and also teachers who desire a deeper understanding of the tools.
Modeling software
The models are built in one of three software packages: Vensim PLE, NetLogo, and Excel.
You must download Vensim PLE (free for educators) to run the .mdl files:
You must download NetLogo (freeware) to run the .nlogo files.
Introductory Track
- Module 0: Introduction to CAST Professional Development Program
- Module 1: Introduction to Computational Reasoning
- Module 2A: Lesson 1 - Introduction to Mathematical Models Using Excel
- Deriving a Mathematical Model: An Experimental and Virtual
Approach via Spreadsheets
Lesson 2 - Turning Multivariable Models into Interactive Animated Simulations - Module 2B: Introduction to Agent Modeling
- Module 2C: Introduction to Systems Modeling
- Module 3: Comparing Model Environments
- Module 4: Models in the Classroom: What's Out There and How to use Them in Your Curriculum
Depth Track
- Module 5A: More on Interactive Animated Excel
- Module 5B: Advanced NetLogo
- Module 5C: More on Systems Models with Vensim
- Module 6: Time-Based Models in Excel
- Module 7: Developer's Reference Set
- The CAST Professional Development Program is supported by the DSF Charitable Foundation and the Frick Fund of the Buhl Foundation. All modules and materials are copyright of the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center and are available online as an Open Education Resource.
