This game is based on the problem of the Prisoner's Dilemma in which you have the choice of cooperating with a partner or defecting against them. The background problem of the prisoner’s dilemma typically described as the following: (from Poundstone, W. (1992) Prisoner's Dilemma)
This Project GUTS pilot unit was developed to engage students in understanding how computing and complex adaptive systems play an essential part in the social sciences by combining discussion, activities, data collection, and modeling with NetLogo to more deeply understand why human cooperate and make friends. Student investigations center on the role of cooperation in human interactions—and how cooperation plays a role in global issues such as resource management, health equity and climate change.
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.