Population Dynamics

Ms. Becky BlackwellDr. Deano Smith

Mr. Dean SheridanMs. Mary Ellen McNamara

Glenelg High SchoolGlenelg, Maryland

Background

• This activity is one component of a unit on Ecology.

• Prior to this activity students have learned about population, food webs, and natural selection.

ApplicationGrass – Rabbits - Wolves

• Students will be introduced to general population dynamics, studying interactions in a predator-prey relationship.

• A genetic variation will be introduced that produces a fast rabbit. Students manipulate the rate that fast rabbits are produced and what happens to the population dynamics.

ArchitectureModeling

• Students will first use Interactive software to generate general population trends.

• Students will use Stella to create a model so that they can manipulate the rates of change to observe growth and decay of populations. Using the data from the models, students will be able to create charts and graphs to analyze the effect on the populations.

Algorithm

Variations in populations of each group will be determined by growth constants for birth and death rates, including changes for each rate due to interaction of the populations, as well as each group’s maximum sustainable population.

Why a Second Module?

• Earth science students already use a physical simulation – we want to extend it THIS YEAR.

• The STELLA models are similar.• Students will be better prepared

for models in biology next year.• The physical science teacher is an

over-enthusiastic renegade!

The Rock Cycle Rocks!

• Students explore geologic processes that take place over extremely long time scales.

• Students use a STELLA model to discover how changes in process rates and initial conditions affect the rock cycle.

• Rapid feedback builds student understanding.• Students develop an appreciation for models

as an integral part of physical science.

THE END

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