Abstract
With the looming global population crisis, it is more important now than ever that students understand what factors influence population dynamics. We present three learning modules with authentic, student-centered investigations that explore rates of population growth and the importance of resources. These interdisciplinary modules integrate biology, mathematics, and computer-literacy concepts aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards. The activities are appropriate for middle and high school science classes and for introductory college-level biology courses. The modules incorporate experimentation, data collection and analysis, drawing conclusions, and application of studied principles to explore factors affecting population dynamics in fruit flies. The variables explored include initial population structure, food availability, and space of the enclosed population. In addition, we present a computational simulation in which students can alter the same variables explored in the live experimental modules to test predictions on the consequences of altering the variables. Free web-based graphing (Joinpoint) and simulation software (NetLogo) allows students to work at home or at school.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-2016
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1525/abt.2016.78.5.396
Repository Citation
Potter, Samuel; Krall, Rebecca M.; Mayo, Susan; Johnson, Diane; Zeidler-Watters, Kimberly J.; and Cooper, Robin L., "Population Dynamics Based on Resource Availability & Founding Effects: Live & Computational Models" (2016). Biology Faculty Publications. 148.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/biology_facpub/148
Notes/Citation Information
Published in The American Biology Teacher, v. 78, no. 5, p. 396-403.
© 2016 National Association of Biology Teachers.
Published as Potter, S., Krall, R. M., Mayo, S., Johnson, D., Zeidler-Watters, K., & Cooper, R. L. (2016). Population dynamics based on resource availability & founding effects: Live & computational models. The American Biology Teacher, 78(5), 396-403. https://doi.org/10.1525/abt.2016.78.5.396. © 2016 by National Association of Biology Teachers. Copying and permissions notice: Authorization to copy this content beyond fair use (as specified in Sections 107 and 108 of the U. S. Copyright Law) for internal or personal use, or the internal or personal use of specific clients, is granted by National Association of Biology Teachers for libraries and other users, provided that they are registered with and pay the specified fee via Rightslink® or directly with the Copyright Clearance Center.