Summarize, in your own words, what the lines 9 and 10 are telling the computer to do.
Overview
At this time students will work with the NetLogo Model to create a model of their own design. Before teaching this Lesson the teacher might want to try the lesson before teaching it as programming can be tricky. Students are requested to change 1 thing. However, some students will not be able to complete this request while others will be able to change more than one thing.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards
- Engineering, Technology, Applications of Science
- [HS-ETS1-1] Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative and quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions that account for societal needs and wants.
- NGSS Crosscutting Concept
- Patterns
- Causation
Activities
- 1. The Model
- 2. Your Turn!
Student Directions and Resources
You will have time to "play" with the NetLogo Model. Using the original Neighborhood Spread Model, you will write an experimental question, add or change a parameter in the code to answer the question, while working with the NetLogo Model to answer your question. You will be requested to change some code in the model. Be bold and be brave. You cannot break the Model. At least, permanently! It is now time to answer our original question: Can a Computer Model Inform Us of Safe Practices During a Pandemic?
1. The Model
For the Neighborhood Spread Model we were able to see what would happen with the spread of COVID in a larger neighborhood. We were able to experiment with the Density, Infectivity-of-Virus, Behavioral-Prevention, and Vaccinated-%. We can change these parameters using the sliders. After running the model for a specified number of ticks, we can see the results: Total Percentage Infected, Low-Density Area Percentage Infected, and High Density Area Percentage Infected. If you are unfamiliar with how this works, please start here and gain some better understanding. Be sure to run the model more than once (with the same parameters) to get insight into what is really going on.
Now that you have a better understanding of the model let's experiment! You will be using the NetLogo Code dropdown screen to complete this section. Take a look at it. What do you see? Line and lines of writing, right? Take a few minutes to try to understand what these lines of writing are telling the computer to do.
Question 1.1
Question 1.2
To make infected households look red what will you change in the code? (Hint: line 67). Now try it out.
**Note: Did you remember to click on "RECOMPILE CODE?"
Question 1.3
One last question: Look at Line 57.
To increase the effect of behavioral prevention, what would you change? How will that affect the spread of the disease? Test and see if your prediction is correct.
2. Your Turn!
You have made some changes to the NetLogo Code. They were 'prescribed' changes. In other words, you were told what to do. Now it's time for you to decide what changes or additions you want to make to the Neighborhood Model. As you progress, record your findings. This is for two purposes: to alert you to what works (and what doesn't) and for you to record your results.
Question 2.1
Think about what you have learned throughout this Unit. What questions are you left with that are unanswered? Do you want to understand the Delta Variant and the risk of contagion? Maybe you want to understand the rate of infection in vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals? Would you like to better understand what would happen if some people had the third shot of the vaccine?
You can program any of these parameters into the NetLogo Model. Your task at this time is to develop a question that can be answered by manipulating or changing the NetLogo Model. Please write your question in the space provided.
Question 2.2
Use the Netlogo Code dropdown menu to change the code to answer the question you wrote. Copy and paste or Screenshot the the code you added, changed, or rewrote.
Question 2.3
What were the results?
total-%-infected:
low-density-area-%-infected
high-density-area-%-infected
Was there a Result Parameter that you added and if so what were the results?
Question 2.4
When you ran the Model after completing your changes:
What worked?
What didn't work?
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Reflect upon your work. Why did the changes you made work or not work? |
Question 2.5
And finally, our last question; Can a computer model inform us of safe practices during a pandemic? As always, provide evidence for your answer!
