Page 126 - Getting the Picture Modeling and Simulation in Secondary Computer Science Education

Chapter 6
Our findings will serve to complete our exploration of teaching Computational Science in the context of the CS course in Dutch secondary education and they will contribute to the further development of teaching materials and teacher training courses.
6.2 Theoretical Background and Related Work
6.2.1 Modeling Cycle
Building and using a simulation model is an iterative, cyclic process consisting of five stages and reflection on modeling process, as described in detail in chapter 3. In the definition stage, the intended purpose of a model is stated and the
modelers perform research about the phenomenon that is being modeled.
In the conceptualization stage, in the process of abstraction it is decided what aspects to include in the model and what to leave out, and the problem is formulated in a way that enables us to use a computer and other tools to help solve them (CSTA Computational Thinking Task Force, 2011). This leads to the development of a conceptual model which is validated to ensure conceptual validity of a model. During this validation step, it is determined whether the conceptual model is built upon correct theories and assumptions (Sargent, 2013) and the modeler can consult domain experts and the customer to ensure this aspect (Law, 2009). If necessary, these steps are repeated until the conceptual model is satisfactory (Sargent, 2013). In the subsequent formalization stage, a conceptual model is implemented — i.e. programmed using software engineering techniques — yielding a simulation model which is verified to make sure the programming is correct, i.e. ensuring that it really does what the modeler think it is doing (Brade, 2004; Sargent, 2013; Sturrock, 2015). Again, this step — and possibly adjusting the conceptual model too — can be repeated until a satisfactory simulation model is obtained (Law, 2015). This simulation model is then subject to operational validation to determine whether the model’s output behavior has a satisfactory range of accuracy (Sargent, 2013). The results of the operational validation process can prompt adjustments of the conceptual model or the implemented simulation model, and in that case,
these steps can be repeated until a satisfactory simulation model is obtained.
In the execution stage, the model is used for its purpose, i.e. to design and run
experiments. 124