Week 3

1. In this week…

This week covers the importance and usefulness of modeling, focusing on complex systems and agent-based modeling. The video is based on an article titled “Why Model?” which describes more examples of modeling. A web-based program called Toolblox is provided for you to investigate a Fish evolution model and answer some activity questions.

Modeling Video [ ZIP, 146 MB, 540 p ]
Modeling Video Transcript [ PDF ]
Modeling Video Slides [ PDF ]

“Why Model?” Essay [ PDF ]
EvoFish Model [ Link ]


2. Modeling

Wendy Huang and Daniel Wendel introduce you to modeling and Toolblox.

Transcript [ PDF ]


3. Assignment

Read

Read the essay “Why Model?”

  • How would you convince a teacher to try modeling in his or her classroom? How would you advise him or her to start?

Play

Use Toolblox to investigate the EvoFish  model. Follow the directions in the project description.

  • NOTE: Before you click the buttons in the model, click “Run Code” at the top of the page.
  • Create Multi-Color Fish: fish of 6 different colors will be created, but the colors are cosmetic only. Let the model run until only 1 or 2 colors are left. Then set up and run again.
    • Are the same color(s) left? Why or why not?
  • Create Multi-Trait Fish: the different colors of fish will also have slightly varying rules for when they reproduce. Let the model run until only 1 or 2 colors are left. Then set up and run again.
    • Are the same color(s) left? Why or why not?

Think About

Reflect on your experience investigating with the EvoFish model.

  • Why do the population sizes fluctuate over time?
  • Is there a relationship between the two population sizes?
  • Is there something you could change about the environment or algae that might make a different color more likely to survive longest?