TUTORIALS OVERVIEW

MODEL BUILDING & SIMULATION

The Model Building & Simulation Tutorials will acquaint you with how to use STELLA and iThink to
construct a simple model of a population constrained by natural resources.

Tutorial 1: Building Blocks — Learn the basic mechanics of creating a Stock and Flow diagram
and assigning values to model entities.

Tutorial 2: Running Simulation — See how to set the parameters for running a model with Run
Specs and to create Graphs and Tables for viewing the results.

Tutorial 3: Adding Feedback — Learn how to create Converters, link model entities with
Connectors, and display the cause and effect relationship between model elements by assigning
Polarity to their connection.

Tutorial 4: Organizing & Testing — See how Sensitivity Analysis can be used to test the effect
of changing the value of a model variable. Become familiar with Sector Frames and how they are
used to organize and test parts of a model.

Tutorial 5: Working with Modules — Learn how to create hierarchical models that use Modules
to piece together common structure.
Tutorial 6: Import and Export Data — Learn the basic mechanics involved in importing data
from and exporting data to Microsoft Excel.

Finished Model Steps 1-4 — Use this model as a guide or a starting point for Tutorials 5 and 6.

INTERFACE CREATION
The Interface Creation Tutorials provide step-by-step instructions for creating an interface to an
existing STELLA or iThink model, allowing users to interact with your model by changing model
inputs, running the simulation and viewing output.
Tutorial 1: Home Page — Learn how to use Text Boxes and Buttons to create a Home Page.
Tutorial 2: Simulation Lab — Add interface objects that provide a "laboratory" environment to
experiment with the model. Let users modify model inputs, run simulations and view results with
Graphs, Menu Buttons, Numerical Displays, Status Indicators, Sliders, and Switches.
Tutorial 3: Assumptions Page — Add Knobs and Graphical Input Devices to your interface
allowing users to change initial values or assumptions about the relationships defined in your
model. See how Graphics Frames can make your interface more visually appealing to users.
Tutorial 4: Storytelling — Storytelling is an effective way of helping others to understand your
model. Learn how to build a story for your model.
Model without Interface — This model is the starting point for the Interface Creation Tutorials.

Completed Model
When you complete all of the tutorials, you will have created this running model, complete with a
user-interface.