See how changes in initial populations and parameters affect a biological community. Individuals use a special software program to simulate a desert community with five species. They adjust initial populations to see how the community reacts to the changes.

Concepts

biomes, desert biome, population growth, carrying capacity, limiting factors

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• If possible, invite a computer scientist specializing in environmental models to give a talk to the class

Classroom Considerations

• Classroom computers must be able to download specific software from the Internet
• Be sure to test out the program before having learners use it

Pros

• Pupils will have fun playing with the computer simulation
• Provides a variety of worksheets in both Word and PDF forms

Cons

• None