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This program is designed for you to train on a simple dynamical system involving stocks & flows. It includes the option of choosing among three different systems: we call them Toy Models.
Use the Chooser on the left hand side to select which Toy Model you wish to run. The Toy Models are of increasing challenge. Start with Toy Model 1 and play with it until you pass the test (see below). Then move to the next one.
Your aim is to ensure that the amount of resource(s) matches the ‘target resource(s)’ by controlling inflow(s) into the resource(s), accounting for the dynamics of the outflow. The exact details of your task will appear on the interface when you choose which Toy Model to run.
All Toy Models are based on the same system: one flow (inflow 1) adds material to a stock (Resource 1); another flow (inflow 2) removes material from Resource 1 and adds it to another stock (Resource 2); finally a last flow (outflow) removes material from Resource 2. In the Toy Model User Guide you can find a visual representation of the system.
Make use of the slider and/or the grey buttons (Increase and Decrease) below the label ‘Resource’ in order to regulate the related Inflow. Please be aware of the dynamics of Outflow.
Make use of the cream boxes on the right hand side of the interface to monitor the current values of the resource(s) and Outflow, as well as the target resource(s), which you need to match at the next time step.
Additionally, the time series of all values are displayed on the 3 system dynamics plots.
One run of the model involves 30 time steps. At the end of the run a window will appear showing your score. Your score is a measure of how well you matched the resource(s) to their target(s). When your score is below a certain threshold you will see a message saying “Congratulations, You passed!!”; this means that your match is satisfactory and you have learnt to manage your resource(s). You can then proceed to the next Toy Model.
Play the model (restart by clicking Setup) as many times as you need until you see the congratulation message.
Please refer to the Toy Models User Guide you have been provided, or feel free to ask any of the facilitators for help.