m.o.t.e.s. is a toy, not unlike one of those "executive" desk toys that features a mix of sparkly sand and water framed between two sheets glass. As you turn the frame, the sand falls through the water, making various patterns. Only instead of just sand and water, there's a half dozen basic elements, and a matching set of "generators". And it won't make a mess if you accidentally knock it over and break the glass...
m.o.t.e.s. is a fun way to kill some time, relax, and watch the often hypnotic nature of interacting patterns. m.o.t.e.s. is actually based on the mathematic concept of "cellular automaton" so you can always claim your actually studying emergant behavior in cellular automatrons (and not just wasting time). And if you get frustrated, you can twist the frame and turn it at an angle, or even turn it completely upside down!
m.o.t.e.s. is your own little universe to toy with. Will plants grow and consume all the water? Will fire burn down the plants? Will water erode away the soil? Will the oil spill catch on fire? Will toxins spread viruses march through universe? It's all up to you...