Using ecosystem simulation models to teach about the ‘resilient nature’ / Χρησιμοποιώντας μοντέλα προσομοίωσης οικοσυστημάτων για τη διδασκαλία της «ελαστικής» φύσης

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the NetLogo models we developed in order to simulate possible trajectories of disturbed/protected ecosystems according to findings of current ecological research. The four models we present here were integrated in a learning environment aimed at supporting non-biology major students in (a) substituting the idea of the ‘balanced nature’ with the currently valid idea of the ‘resilient nature’ and thus constructing an up-to-date understanding on ecosystems’ function, and (b) using this understanding to advance systems thinking skills. Each model has two versions concerning two different trajectories of the ecosystem with specific initial conditions or features of the recovery plan. In our case studies, students explored in triads the ecosystem models with the aid of worksheets, which required predictions about the ecosystem’s behaviour before using the model and explanations afterwards. Half of students’ triads explored the 1^st version of each model while the other half explored the 2^nd one. At the end of each session, the two different trajectories simulated by each model were discussed with the whole class to enhance the emergence of the idea of contingency. Our results about the effectiveness of the final version of the learning environment were promising and are reported elsewhere.