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Sustainability can be defined as ‘development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.’ Using this definition, students will explore ideas that can make their own community more sustainable, including choices as consumers as well as what to do with the waste. It asks students to explore issues such as using algae to make a biofuel, as well as renewable forms of energy like photovoltaics.
Background: This unit will typically follow a 4 to 6 week (10-12 hours) of introduction to computer modeling, complex adaptive systems and StarLogo Nova. See our 6 week Introduction to Complex Systems and Modeling in StarLogo Nova
Pacing Guide: click this link to see the complete pacing guide with links to activities, forms and models.
Week 1: Introduction of the topic of sustainability
Week 2: Understanding more about our trash and work with base model #1 to add a slider and consider extensions.
Week 3: Discussion of Feedback Loops and their connection to sustainability, introduction of 2nd base model, algae and wastewater
Week 4: Further understanding of algae and biofuels, connection to energy in New Mexico and the energy future of Santa Fe.
Week 5: Students work on building an basic sustainability model
Week 6: Finish Sustainability Model, students collect data and share out to group
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