CCS 2026: THE 2026 CONFERENCE ON COMPLEX SYSTEMS
Sharona T Levy
Affiliation: University of Haifa
Pages in this Program
Program
Program for Friday, October 16th
Bio

Sharona T. Levy is the head of the Systems Learning & Development Lab (SLDL) at the Faculty of Education, University of Haifa. The SLDL investigates how people of all ages understand, construct, and learn about complex systems through dynamic learning environments and epistemic tools. The lab’s research integrates science education, computational thinking, the learning sciences, and complexity-informed design. SLDL’s work focuses on three interrelated strands: (a) Supporting learners’ reasoning about complex systems and emergent phenomena through model-based, participatory, and embodied learning—across domains such as chemistry, physics, biology, health, sports, traffic, and everyday life; (b) Restructuring conceptual domains and instructional practices to foster deep understanding, epistemological growth, and inclusive access—spanning early childhood, middle school, and nursing education; (c) Designing inclusive, developmentally attuned learning technologies and environments—such as sonified models for blind learners, unplugged computational thinking games for kindergartens, and embodied or VR-based simulations for health, science, and leadership. As part of this research, SLDL has designed and studied a range of research-based learning environments, including Connected Chemistry, Much.Matter.in.Motion, TrafficJams, Listening to Complexity, Biking with Particles, and PILL-VR. These designs span formal and informal contexts—from kindergartens to nursing schools—and employ design-based research, microgenetic methods, and mixed-method evaluations to investigate learning, inclusion, conceptual change, and identity.