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Biology+C – Genetics: Phenotypes and Genotypes

This unit focuses on genetics and how the allele frequency in a population can change over time.

Biology+C – Natural Selection and Evolution: Natural Selection in Moths

This unit reviews concepts related to natural selection and Darwin’s theory of evolution. It provides students with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the process of natural selection and how it can be represented and demonstrated using computer models.

Biology+C – Simple Ecosystems: Energy Flow in an Ecosystem

This unit models a simple ecosystem to provide students with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the interactions of organisms in ecosystems such as the flow of energy between trophic levels.

Biology+C – Homeostasis: Maintaining Glucose Levels in Blood

This unit reviews concepts related to feedback loops for maintaining homeostasis in the human
body.

Biology+C – Enzymes: Food Digestion

The unit provides students with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of process and how they can be represented and demonstrated using computer models.

Biology+C – Ecosystem Dynamics: Balancing an Ecosystem

In this unit, students will apply concepts related to ecosystems, such as interdependent relationships, to run various experiments in the NetLogo model.

Science+C Intro Unit: Epidemics

This unit introduces students to using models as scientific testbeds, the NetLogo interface, and the basics of the model code by exploring how disease spreads through a population.

Biology+C – Experimenting with Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is a dynamic process through which plants turn carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrates such as glucose while releasing oxygen as a byproduct.

Screen shot of code from completed model

Alternative Intro to StarLogo Nova - Modeling Change Lesson 1

The first part of the Modeling Change Unit can be used as a fun stand-alone programming activity for students unfamiliar with StarLogo Nova. It guides students to build a model that use keyboard controls to change the two-dimensional location of agents (in section 1a) and change other traits including the third dimension (z), shape, color, and heading (in section 1b).

Papeles en el viento ("Papercatchers")

"Papeles en el viento" (Papercatchers) es una simulación participativa en la que los estudiantes aprenden sobre el crecimiento de la población y los límites al crecimiento. Los estudiantes desempeñan el papel de miembros de una población creciente, siguen reglas sencillas que rigen la supervivencia y la reproducción, y recopilan y grafican datos.

Tips for teaching decoding

Some techniques to introduce students to the process of decoding a model.

Teaching Computer Science and Creating Independent Learners

A video (7:54) for teachers and facilitators with helpful techniques on facilitating design-and-build activities in ways then encourage students to become self-sufficient problem solvers.

Getting Unstuck: Karen Brennan's "8 for 8"

This 8:13 minute video gives techniques for facilitating classrooms of students who are working on projects.

Project GUTS teacher & facilitator guides

These guides are aimed at helping teachers or workshop facilitators help their students or participants be independent learners while working with computer models. They are a work in progress - final versions will be uploaded soon. Please feel free to point out any corrections or additions in a discussion thread -- Thanks!

Screen shot from model showing projectile motion

Modeling Change

This contributed curriculum physics unit introduces and builds models to explore concepts of independent and dependent change, constant and variable x and y change, gravity, and projectile motion. Each lesson contains detailed instructions on how to build each model, and links to base models and completed projects. Modeling Change Lesson 1 is also uploaded as an independent resource (since it can serve as an alternative introduction to StarLogo Nova).