Systems Theory and Modeling

Welcome!

The purpose of this brief, web-based, introduction to Systems Theory and Modeling is to facilitate dialogue and collaboration among people with different backgrounds, experience, and training who must work together -- sharing their ideas, concerns, and expertise -- to solve today's and tomorrow's pressing social and environmental problems.

This site was developed by the Division of Science and Environmental Policy at California State University, Monterey Bay, with generous funding from NASA and the Earth Systems Science Education (ESSE) Program of the Universities Space Research Association (USRA).

Is this site for me?

This site is for teachers, students, and anyone else who would like a very brief, general introduction to systems thinking and systems modeling. It was written primarily as a teaching resource for college and high school instructors who are short on time, but dedicated to helping students frame and focus their thinking on environmental issues or other complicated, interdisciplinary topics. The site assumes no prior knowledge of systems theory or modeling techniques and covers only the basics, but it includes excellent references to more advanced information for anyone who wants to study this subject in greater depth.