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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.

Guides, Common Forms, and Activity Sheets for CS in Science Modules

This 56-page pdf includes printable copies of the Student Activity Guides, Common Forms, Blocks Guides, CS Concepts, and Progress Monitors for Modules 1-4 of CS in Science. This version was created in 2015, for StarLogo Nova 1.0. If using StarLogo Nova 2.0, search for the Blocks guides attached to each module.

Formulario de diseño experimental

Una copia imprimible del formulario de diseño experimental, utilizada en los Módulos Científicos de Project GUTS, para que los estudiantes planifiquen un experimento, incluyendo la identificación de variables, la planificación de la recopilación y el análisis de datos y la interpretación. Traducción del original en Inglés.

Guía de observación de un modelo basado en agentes

Se trata de una guía para poder observar un modelo basado en agentes y reconocer sus diferentes partes, como por ejemplo las abstracciones (quiénes son los agentes, cuál es el entorno, cuáles son las interacciones); la automatización; los supuestos y el análisis.

Screen shot from Project GUTS rabbits and grass model

Modeling Ecosystems in StarLogo Nova

This document gives background information and is a guide to CS in Science, Module 3 (Ecosystems) and building the rabbits and grass model.

Interview with Hal Scheintaub

Teachers with GUTS interviewed Hal Scheintaub and demo of StarLogo Nova models created by his students on August 2, 2017.

Scientific Practices and Computational Thinking in Modeling & Simulation

This document is a handout used to reflect on the scientific practices and computational thinking involved in a Project GUTS module or lesson.

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).

Emergence video

A portion of a PBS NOVA video discussing the concept of emergence (or complex adaptive systems) where patterns emerge in nature where agents follow simple rules.

Scientific Practices Form

A printable copy of the Scientific Practices Form used throughout CS in Science Modules.

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.

Project Design Form

A printable copy of the Project Design Form, used in Project GUTS CS in Science Modules.

Image of science experiment from thenounproject.com

Experimental Design Form

A printable copy of the experimental design form, used in Project GUTS CS in Science Modules, for students to plan an experiment, including identifying variables, planning data collection and analysis, and interpretation.

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.

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.

Experimental Design for Virtual Instruction

A Google Sheet to use for conducting the Experimental Design activity in a remote learning classroom.c

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.

Photo of presentation from larryferrlazzo.edublogs.org

Student Activity Guide: Preparing Presentations

A list of guidelines for students to follow in preparing to present a completed model (Day 5 activity in Modules 2, 2A, 3, and 4 in CS in Science Modules).

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