Modeling Ecosystems Computationally   

Sugat Dabholkar, Philip Woods, Connor Bain, Golnaz Arastoopour Irgens, Kevin Hall
Biology, Self-directed
5-7 classes, 45-50 min each
Introductory High School Biology
v9
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Overview

Students will develop an understanding of how to develop a computational model starting from basic intuitions about individual behavior, then gradually and iteratively making improvements and adding complexity.  They will begin by using block-based programming tools, but will eventually transition to simple text-based programming.  Finally, they will learn how to critically evaluate models for their realism and usefulness using data from the Isle Royale ecosystem, and use the model they built over the unit to make predictions about the future of that ecosystem.

Underlying Lessons

Standards

Next Generation Science Standards
  •   Life Science
    • [HS-LS2] Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
    • [HS-LS4] Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity
  •   NGSS Crosscutting Concept
    • Patterns
    • Systems
    • Stability and Change
  •   NGSS Practice
    • Analyzing Data
    • Using Models
    • Conducting Investigations
Computational Thinking in STEM
  •   Data Practices
    • Analyzing Data
    • Manipulating Data
    • Visualizing Data
  •   Modeling and Simulation Practices
    • Using Computational Models to Find and Test Solutions
    • Using Computational Models to Understand a Concept
  •   Computational Problem Solving Practices
    • Troubleshooting and Debugging
  •   Systems Thinking Practices
    • Investigating a Complex System as a Whole
    • Thinking in Levels
    • Understanding the Relationships within a System

Credits

Unit designed/developed by Dabholkar, S., Hall K., Woods P., & Bain C.

Acknowledgement

This work is supported by the National Science Foundation (grants CNS-1138461, CNS-1441041 and DRL-1020101) and the Spencer Foundation (grant 201600069). Any opinions, findings, conclusions, and/or recommendations are those of the investigators and do not necessarily reflect the views of the funding organizations.

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