Lesson 1 Activity 2 - Preview the Model
In this lesson, the instructor will give students a preview a computer model of a simple ecosystem projected from the instructor’s computer. Through the model, students will review concepts of population growth, producers and consumers, and the movement of energy through an ecosystem.
Watch a video introduction to the ecosystems model called "Rabbits and Grass"
Read this document about modeling ecosystems in StarLogo Nova.
Make observations of the behavior of the ecosystems model by running it. Here's a link to the Rabbits and Grass ecosystems model. (*Note that in the classroom setting, the teacher is running the base model and projecting it on a screen.) While running the model fill in the model observation form to reflect on what you are seeing.
Quiz questions:
Reflection:
What are the advantages of using computer models to study ecosystems? Post your reflection and your model observation form in your portfolio in the section "Reflections->Computer Modeling and Simulation" under the heading "Modeling ecosystems."
- View a video demonstration of the base ecosystem model.
- Read about modeling ecosystems in StarLogo Nova
- Make observations of the behavior of the ecosystems model.
- Open the base ecosystem model and run the model and observe the different possible outcomes.
- Reflect on variables you could add or change in the base model.
Watch a video introduction to the ecosystems model called "Rabbits and Grass"
Read this document about modeling ecosystems in StarLogo Nova.
Make observations of the behavior of the ecosystems model by running it. Here's a link to the Rabbits and Grass ecosystems model. (*Note that in the classroom setting, the teacher is running the base model and projecting it on a screen.) While running the model fill in the model observation form to reflect on what you are seeing.
Quiz questions:
1 point
Which of the following was NOT an outcome of the model?
1 point
Which of the following aspects can you change in the computer model that would be DIFFICULT to change in the real world?
Reflection:
What are the advantages of using computer models to study ecosystems? Post your reflection and your model observation form in your portfolio in the section "Reflections->Computer Modeling and Simulation" under the heading "Modeling ecosystems."