CAST
Professional Development Program
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 organized 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.
Introductory Track
| Instructor files |
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| Introduction to the CAST Professional Development Program |
| Instructor files |
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| Module 1 Presentation |
| Forest fire inquiry |
| Forest fire data analysis handout |
| Flipping pennies simulation |
| Participant files |
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| Fire graphing Excel file |
| Forest fire |
| Flipping pennies spreadsheet |
| Instructor files |
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| Lesson 1: Deriving a Mathematical Model: An Experimental and Virtual Approach via Spreadsheets |
| Presentation: Deriving a Mathematical Model |
| Deriving a Mathematical Model |
| Lesson 2: Turning Multivariable Models into Interactive Animated Simulations |
| Presentation: Turning Multivariable Models into Interactive Animated Simulations |
| Presentation: Turning Multivariable Models into Interactive Animated Simulations |
| Participant files |
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| Cooling down a cup of coffee |
| Stacking cups |
| Regression |
| Interpolation and extrapolation handout |
| Instructor files |
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| Presentation: What is the best tool? |
| Comparing three models |
| Comparison guide for facilitators |
| The enzyme model |
Depth Track
| Instructor files |
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| Advanced Vensim presenter’s guide |
| Advanced Vensim model building |
Modeling software
The models are built in one of three software packages: Vensim PLE, NetLogo, and Excel.
- Download Vensim PLE (free for educators) to run the .mdl files: http://www.vensim.com/freedownload.html
- Download NetLogo (freeware) to run the .nlogo files: http://ccl.northwestern.edu/netlogo/download.shtml
The CAST Professional Development Program is supported by the DSF Charitable Foundation, the Frick Fund of the Buhl Foundation, and the Grable Foundation. All modules and materials are copyright of the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center and are available online as an Open Education Resource.
