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Wisdom and Madness of Crowds

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About this simulation

KiwiBee’s classroom edition retains Nicky Case’s CC0 network experiments and interactive essay. A guided experiment selector opens network building, simple or complex contagion, bonding/bridging, small-world networks, or the sandbox. Prediction prompts, keyboard button handling, restart controls and sound initially off support classroom use. Creator and collaborator credits remain in the original Credits section. Allow about 30 minutes for the full lesson. The illustrated agents follow simplified rules, not predictions of actual people.

What students can explore

  • Choose Let’s play and follow the drawing tutorial.
  • Compare how an idea travels through different network structures.
  • Discuss why a model of collective behavior needs assumptions about connections and influence.

Learning objectives

  1. 1Describe a network using nodes and connections.
  2. 2Explain how network structure can affect the spread of ideas.

Questions teachers ask

Who created this activity and what is its source license?

Nicky Case. Original source license: CC0-1.0. Source: https://github.com/ncase/crowds. KiwiBee improves the classroom controls and experiments, retaining source credits and licenses.

What does this model simplify?

The cartoon network models simplify human behavior. They are tools for discussion rather than evidence that a real group will behave in the same way.

How can I use the activity in class?

Use the activity controls inside the frame, or open fullscreen for a larger workspace. Ask students to predict a result, test it, and explain what changed. The embedded application starts in English; available upstream language controls are part of the original activity.

Embed this simulation

Drop it into your LMS, blog, or class site — free.

<iframe src="https://kiwibee.io/en/simulations/wisdom-madness-crowds-simulation/embed" title="Wisdom and Madness of Crowds | KiwiBee" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen style="width:100%;height:min(70vh,620px);min-height:420px;border:0;border-radius:16px"></iframe>

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