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Natural Selection Programming

A lesson for middle school science that uses a variation of the rabbits and grass program to explore concepts of natural selection.

Complex Adaptive Systems Background Resources

The attached files can provide teachers and students with some simple background explanations of complex adaptive systems and feedback loops.

Guía de referencia de bloques de StarLogo NOVA

Se trata de una guía que describe los bloques de comandos más comunes utilizados en StarLogo NOVA en el curso MOOC de Project GUTS en español. Están agrupados según el módulo en que se utilizan.

Ecosystems as Complex Adaptive Systems

Background information on ecosystems for teachers' use in CS in Science, Module 3 (Ecosystems)

Cellular screen capture showing ant simulation on a honey trap

Block-based agent-based modeling tool based on Scratch

Cellular is an agent-based modeling tool that uses a Scratch-like interface and allows teachers and students to create models and simulations in a very easy way. This makes this tool suitable to introduce ABM into the Primary level but also in Middle & High School taking advantage of previous students experience with Scratch. Cellular is based on Snap wich it's also based on Scratch. And you can also work off-line!!

Debugging Guide

A short guide for identifying and fixing common bugs in StarLogo Nova 2.0.

Teaching Equity Resources

Here are links to the resources used in CS in Science workshops to discuss equity in computer science.

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!

Code Blocks for CS in Science Module 3 - Rabbits and Grass Ecosystems Model

This is a worksheet to use while decoding the Rabbits and Grass Ecosystems Model - CS in Science, Module 3. Select the relevant link below, for StarLogo Nova 1.0 (flash version) or StarLogo Nova 2.0 (HTML5/JavaScript version).

Screen shot of blocks and concepts guide

Code Blocks for CS in Science Module 1: Intro to Computer Science & Simulation

Here are links to the Code Blocks for CS in Science Module 1, for StarLogo Nova 1.0 (Flash version), and the Code Blocks for CS in Science Module 1 for StarLogo Nova 2.0 (HTML5/JavaScript version). This is not the one-page Blocks and Drawers Guide for StarLogo Nova (those documents are linked below).

DECODE NYC Virtual Lesson Plan - MODIFYING A MODEL: OMNIVOROUS FOXES

This remote lesson serves as an opportunity for students to modify the code of an agent-based model to reflect the complexity of real-world food webs. Students will evaluate theeffectiveness of the modifications based on their understanding of population dynamics.

StarLogo Nova 2.0 galleries for CS in Science modules

These links create a shortcut to find the StarLogo Nova 2.0 gallery for each module in CS in Science. For StarLogo Nova 1.0 galleries, go to flash.starlogonova.org.

Code blocks for basic setup in StarLogo Nova

CS in Science: Module 1 Additional Resources

Ready to implement? Here are some additional resources and links to other Teachers with GUTS pages to help you with CS in Science, Module 1 (Introduction to Computer Modeling and Simulation). Some of the resources refer specifically to StarLogo Nova 1.0 (teacher videos) and others to StarLogo Nova 2.0 (link to models gallery). Check the relevant page for CS in Science Module 1 for the version of StarLogo Nova you are using.

Progress Monitors for CS in Science Modules (coding activities)

Progress Monitors are meant to be guides for students, giving goals for the model but not providing specific coding instructions.

Sample rubric for ecosystem module

This rubric was previously posted on the Code.org site and many teachers have found it to be helpful. You can save a copy and modify as fits your curriculum.

Module 3 Lesson 3 - Adding a Predator

In this lesson, students will modify the Rabbits and Grass model by adding a predator, a Mountain Lion, to answer a new question: “Does adding a top predator increase or decrease the stability of an ecosystem?” In the second activity, students will design and run experiments to see if adding a predator has an impact on the ecosystem. This activity will reinforce the concepts of energy flow through ecosystems and the often unexpected results of interactions in complex adaptive systems.

Module 3 Lesson 4 - Create Your Own Ecosystem Model

In this lesson, students will design their own ecosystems projects consisting of a question, experimental design and model. In the first activity, students will learn about the computational science cycle and use it to scope their project. This leads to a second activity where they start designing and implementing their model.

Module 3 Lesson 5 - Designing and Running an Experiment and Sharing Your Findings

In this lesson, students will complete their ecosystems models and then design and run experiments using their models as experimental test beds. As an extension, students can prepare a presentation on their model, experimental design and findings.

Decode NYC Models

In the NSF-funded DecodeNYC program at the American Museum of Natural History, middle school students use the agent-based game and simulation programming environment StarLogo Nova to use, modify, decode, and create scientific models to test different strategies for fighting Lyme disease and answer questions about their urban ecosystem.

Feedback loops

This document provides background information on feedback loops in complex adaptive systems.

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