Activity

Computer Simulation of the Sonoran Desert Community

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

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.

1 Collection 31 Views 24 Downloads NGSS: Designed
Additional Tags
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
NGSS