Below are answers to common questions about SageModeler. If you still need help, send a detailed email message to sagemodeler@concord.org and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

  • How To
  • FAQ

How To

Work with SageModeler “models”

Open a new SageModeler model
If SageModeler is not open yet, launch it by using the URL: https://sagemodeler.concord.org/app. If SageModeler is already open, go to the file menu in the upper left (three horizontal lines with an arrow) and select “New.”
Save a SageModeler model
Go to the file menu in the upper left (three horizontal lines with an arrow) and select “Save.” Choose to save to Google Drive or Local File. Files will be saved with a .sagemod extension.
Open a saved SageModeler model
Go to the file menu in the upper left (three horizontal lines with an arrow) and select “Open.” Navigate to Google Drive or a Local File, then double-click the file name or select it and click “Open.”
Share my SageModeler model
Go to the file menu in the upper left (three horizontal lines with an arrow) and select “Share” -> “Get link” to shared view. In the pop-up box, click the button to “Enable sharing.” Copy the link to paste into an email message, Google Doc, or other location. You can also get the embed code for including in web pages. Note: The “LARA” link is generally used by authors of activities in Concord Consortium’s STEM Resource Finder.
Update the shared view to show the current state of my model
Go to the file menu in the upper left (three horizontal lines with an arrow) and select “Share” -> “Update shared view.” This will make it so that the share link you gave to people will now show the new state of your model.

Choose between a diagram, static, and dynamic model

Choose a model type
When you open a new SageModeler document, the default setting is static equilibrium simulation with an expanded set of relationships. You can change this to either model diagram or dynamic time-based simulation by opening the model settings inspector (gear icon on right side of canvas).
Change model types
You can easily go from model diagram to static equilibrium model, to dynamic time-based model by using the model settings inspector (see “Choose a model type” above). However, if try to go from dynamic, to static, or to diagram, you may be prevented from changing model type if your current model uses features not supported by the type you are trying to switch to. For example, if you have a dynamic model and have changed one or more variables to a collector, you won’t be able to change to static or diagram modeling because collectors are not supported in those model types. If you change the collectors back to normal variables you should be able to switch the modeling type to static or diagram.

Add variables and connections to a diagram or model

Add a variable to the canvas
To add a variable to the canvas, drag the “New Image” icon in the upper left of the SageModeler window onto the canvas. Then select an image using the search field or add one using a URL or from your local device. Once you’ve located an image, click “Add Image.”
Remove a variable or connection from the canvas
To remove a variable or connection from the canvas, click the variable or connection to select it, then tap the delete key on your keyboard. You can remove multiple variables or links by dragging across them to select them all and then hitting the delete key. Note: On tablets use the style inspector (paintbrush icon on the right side of the canvas) and click “delete” there.
Replace variable images with other images
If you would like to change the image of an existing variable, click the variable to select it, then open the style inspector (paintbrush icon on the right side of the canvas) and click the image icon there to select another image or use “New” to search for an image using the Image Search. Select an image and click “Add image.”
Connect variables
Hover over a variable or click on it to select it. Then click and drag the arrow icon on the upper-right corner of the variable to the center of another variable, indicating the first variable affects the second.
Remove connections between variables (break a link)
To remove a connection (link) between variables, click the link to select it (the arrow will turn yellow like a highlighter), then tap the delete key on your keyboard, or open the style inspector (paintbrush icon on the right side of the canvas) and click “Delete link.”
Add a label to a link
To add a label to a link between variables, click the link to select it (the arrow will turn yellow like a highlighter), then click the link again, or open the style inspector (paintbrush icon on the right side of the canvas) and type a label for the link.

Set relationships with static or dynamic models

Connect variables
Hover over a variable or click on it to select it. Then click and drag the arrow icon on the upper-right corner of the variable to the center of another variable, indicating the first variable affects the second.
Define relationships between variables
Once there is a link between two variables, the way one variable influences the other can be set by double-clicking the arrow or the variable to which the arrow points. Or click on a variable to select it and open the relationship inspector (arrow icon on the right side of the canvas). Once the inspector is open, use the menus to complete a verbal description of the relationship between the two variables. (If there is more than one link pointing to that variable, click on each of the green boxes with variable names on the left side of the relationship inspector.)
Define a custom relationship function
Once there is a link between two variables, the way one variable influences the other can be set by double-clicking the arrow or the variable to which the arrow points. Or click on a variable to select it and open the relationship inspector (arrow icon on the right side of the canvas). Once the inspector is open, select “vary” from the menu with the options [increase, decrease, vary]. Then draw on the graph the relationship between the variable on the x-axis and the variable on the y-axis.
Define how multiple variables affect a single target variable
If a variable is influenced by (i.e., linked to from) more than one variable, the default is to average the effects. To change that, double-click the variable or single-click and open the relationship inspector (arrow icon on the right side of the canvas). On the left side of the relationship inspector below the list of influencing variables, there is a menu. An alternative to “average” is “limiting factor.” Use the “limiting factor” method of combining variable influences if any on of those variables limits the ability of other variables to have an impact. For example, if a variable “births” is influenced by “birth rate” and “current population,” it makes the most sense to combine them using limiting factor. If the birth rate is zero, there should be no births or if the population is zero there should be no births, so each of these variables is a limiting factor in the calculation of the births.
Add numbers, units, or formulas to my models
SageModeler is a semiquantitative modeling tool, designed to support a conceptual approach to modeling and understanding phenomena. The model output will show trends but not specific numbers. To that end you cannot define equations beyond how you currently define relationships using the relationship inspector (see “Define relationships” above).

Work with static equilibrium models

Run a static equilibrium model
Click “SIMULATE” on the upper right side of the SageModeler toolbar. Then adjust the variable slider(s) to see how the model values change based on these new inputs. To record these values use “Record 1 data point” or “Record data stream,” which will record all of the changes in the model state (the values of all the variables) as you adjust one of the input variables. (Note: If you switch variables or modify your model, be sure to click the “+” next to Experiment to group the data by experiment.)

Work with dynamic time-based models

Run a dynamic time-based model
Click “SIMULATE” on the upper right side of the SageModeler toolbar. Then adjust the variable slider(s) to see how setting the model inputs affects how the model behaves over time. To record the model behavior based on a particular set of inputs, press the “Record” button. You can also adjust how many steps the model will calculate by adjusting “steps” in the simulation controls. (Note: Each time you change the initial settings of the model or change the model structure, be sure to click the “+” next to Experiment to group the data by experiment.) back to top
Define “collector” variables
Select a variable and click on the values inspector (ruler icon on the right side of the canvas). Then click the “collector” box.
Control the rate of flow from one collector to another with a valve
Draw a relationship link between two collectors and open the relationship inspector (arrow icon on the right side of the canvas). Then select “transferred to” for the relationship. A new node will appear with a “valve” icon. This variable affects how much is transferred between the collectors each step of the model.

Analyze Data

Record a table of data
See “Run a dynamic time-based model” or “Run a static equilibrium model” above. You can also create your own data table for entering your own data by hand using the “Tables” button in the SageModeler toolbar.
Import data into SageModeler
Drag a CSV file onto the canvas or use the file menu in the upper left (three horizontal lines with an arrow) and select Import. The drop or select a CSV file containing the data you want to import.
Make a graph from a variable
Hover over or click on a variable to see the graph icon that appears on the upper-left side of the variable. Then click that graph icon. You can further configure the graph by dragging variable names to x or y axes or into the middle of the graph. Another alternative is to press the “Graph” button in the SageModeler toolbar, and then drag variable names to those same locations.
Make a graph from a table of data
With a table visible drag the column headers to the x or y axes or into the middle of a graph.

FAQs

General Questions

What is SageModeler and how do I use it?
SageModeler is an online tool for building diagrams and system models. See About for details.
Can SageModeler work on a tablet device?
SageModeler can work on a tablet/mobile device but since it is a work in progress, not all functionality is yet available in the tablet format.
Do I need to log in?
You don’t need to log in to use SageModeler. However, if you want to save your SageModeler documents on Google Drive, you will need to create a Google account or use an existing one and give SageModeler permission to read and write SageModeler files to your Google Drive.
How do I report software bugs?
Software glitches and bugs can sometimes make their way into code and web pages. If you would like to report a bug please send an email to sagemodeler@concord.org. Describe the problem with as much detail as possible, including a link to your model (see “Share my SageModeler model” above).
What are the system requirements for SageModeler?
To run SageModeler, you will need a device with Internet connection and a relatively recent web browser. That’s it!
Will SageModeler work offline?
When an Internet connection is not always present, SageModeler will function offline if loaded online beforehand. However, you will not be able to insert images or data files from the web.

Licensing and Permissions

How can I use SageModeler software?
The SageModeler application is licensed under an MIT Media License. The MIT license is one of the least restrictive open-source software licenses available. Under the MIT license, you may use, copy, and modify software however you want, however many times you want and in whatever format you like.
Can I use SageModeler activities and resources?
Unless otherwise noted, SageModeler educational activities and resources are released under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. This license allows you to use and modify software and resources created by the SageModeler team and distributed to you, as long as you attribute the material to “The Concord Consortium and the CREATE for STEM Institute at Michigan State University,” and include the appropriate license information or link(s).
How much does SageModeler cost to use? Do I need a license?
SageModeler is (and always will be) free. You don’t need a license to use SageModeler in a school, home, library, or anywhere else. The development and maintenance of SageModeler is maintained through grants.
How can I contribute to SageModeler translation or code development?
If you’d like to contribute to SageModeler, email us at sagemodeler@concord.org.

SageModeler in Schools

How does SageModeler help address the Next Generation Science Standards?
SageModeler can be utilized to explore phenomena across disciplines and multiple practices. However, it is particularly helpful in engaging students in Developing and Using Models and Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking. Depending on the phenomena under study, various crosscutting concepts may be supported, but Systems and System Models is one that is consistently addressed.
How can I design lessons that use SageModeler?
The “share” feature of SageModeler allows you to ask students to develop models of phenomena and then share them with you and/or their peers. We have also incorporated SageModeler into some units as part of our testing in the classroom. Check out the Curriculum page for examples.
How do I add instructions to SageModeler documents?
You can add text boxes by clicking the Text button in the SageModeler toolbar.
Can I see students’ work?
If you are interested in using the available curricular modules found on the Curriculum page you should make a free account on the STEM Resource Finder, set up classes, and assign those units. All student work will be automatically collated into reports you can generate. Or, if you choose to integrate SageModeler into your current lessons, your students can create share links to send to you.