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CLD Building Blocks Explorer

Run the CLD Building Blocks Explorer Fullscreen

Sample iframe reference

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<iframe
   src="https://dmccreary.github.io/infographics/sims/cld-building-blocks/main.html"
   width="100%" height="530" scrolling="no">
</iframe>

About This MicroSim

This step-through explorer introduces the three fundamental building blocks of a Causal Loop Diagram (CLD): variables, causal links, and polarity indicators. Each stage adds one building block to a simple example, showing how they combine to form a complete feedback loop.

The Three Building Blocks

  1. Variables — Quantities that can increase or decrease over time, shown as labeled ovals
  2. Causal Links — Arrows connecting variables to show cause-and-effect relationships
  3. Polarity Indicators — Plus (+) or minus (−) signs on arrows showing whether variables change in the same or opposite directions

Lesson Plan

Learning Objective

Explain the three building blocks of a causal loop diagram by interacting with each element and observing how they combine.

Activities

  1. Start at Stage 1. Identify the three variables and think about how they might relate.
  2. Advance to Stage 2. Trace the arrows — which variable influences which?
  3. Advance to Stage 3. Notice the + signs. What does it mean that all links are positive?
  4. Hover over each element for additional details about its role in the loop.

References