Enhanced Learning Experiences through Effective Use of Simulation and Visualization Technologies for Demonstration of Environmental System Modeling

Learning experiences with simulation and visualization tools can greatly enhance a student’s ability to seamlessly integrate mathematical modeling and attain a generalized understanding of environmental phenomenon. Environmental modeling relies heavily on system-based approaches to generalize environmental processes and make spatial and temporal predictions about the environmental fate and transport of anthropogenic pollutants. In the Fall 2013 semester, we have effectively used STELLA software for classroom simulations and visualizations to demonstrate the effectiveness of a system-based approach to model environmental processes. Various real-life examples were mathematically modeled and later simulated using the STELLA software. The STELLA software offers robust simulation and visualization compared to traditional EXCEL software. This study documents the effectiveness of STELLA software in modeling selected environmental processes such as transformation and deposition of sulfur dioxide, transformation and metabolites rate kinetics of atrazine. It includes an assessment of the practical applications of the STELLA environment through direct questions related to the design of stock and flow diagrams for the degradation of perchloroethylene and associated difference equations. The modeled environmental phenomenon was not only simulated using STELLA, but also tested through statistical methods such as chi-square and paired t-distribution tests to be certain the simulated model was valid at least at a 95% confidence level.