Teaching of Biology Supported by Mathematical Models.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Teaching of Biology Supported by Mathematical Models.
Alternate Title: Nauczanie biologii wspomagane modelami matematycznymi. (Polish)
Authors: Maciejewska, Joanna, Uchmański, Janusz
Source: Studia Ecologiae et Bioethicae; 2023, Vol. 21 Issue 2, p55-69, 15p
Subject Terms: BIOLOGY education, YOUNG adults, BIOLOGICAL mathematical modeling, MATHEMATICAL models, COMPUTER simulation, SIMULATION methods & models, CREATIVE ability, NETLOGO (Computer program language), YOUTHS' attitudes
Abstract (English): In the life sciences, the use of mathematical modelling and computer simulation methods has brought many benefits. This is the case, for example, in physics. Biology makes very little use of these methods. One of the reasons for this may be that the biology teaching process is conducted in such a way that it discourages young people with an interest in mathematics and computer science. We propose to support the process of teaching biology by introducing simple elements of mathematical modelling of ecological processes. In this work, we showed what benefits would be the application of the NetLogo program in teaching biology in secondary schools. NetLogo is a multi-agent programming language designed to simulate complex phenomena. It is intended for both research and education and is used in a wide variety of scientific disciplines. We used the NetLogo program to create a model of searching for food by ants. We have shown that teaching biology by building a computer model forces a deeper understanding of the problem we are working on and uses and develops the creative abilities of young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Abstract (Polish): W naukach przyrodniczych zastosowanie metod modelowania matematycznego i symulacji komputerowych przyniosło wiele korzyści. Tak jest na przykład w fizyce. Biologia w bardzo niewielkim stopniu wykorzystuje te metody. Jedną z przyczyn takiego stanu rzeczy może być fakt, że proces nauczania biologii jest prowadzony tak, że zniechęca młodzież z zainteresowaniami matematycznymi i informatycznymi. Proponujemy, aby proces nauczania biologii wspomóc poprzez wprowadzenie prostych elementów modelowania matematycznego procesów ekologicznych. W niniejszej pracy pokazaliśmy, z jakimi korzyściami wiązałoby się zastosowanie programu napisanego w języku NetLogo w nauczaniu biologii w szkołach ponadpodstawowych. NetLogo to wieloagentowy język programowania stworzony do symulacji złożonych zjawisk. Jest przeznaczony zarówno do badań, jak i edukacji. Jest używany w różnych dyscyplinach naukowych. Wykorzystaliśmy program NetLogo do stworzenia modelu poszukiwania pokarmu przez mrówki. Wykazaliśmy, że uczenie biologii przez budowę modelu komputerowego, zmusza do głębszego zrozumienia problemu, nad którym pracujemy, wykorzystuje i rozwija twórcze zdolności młodzieży. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Complementary Index
Description
Abstract:In the life sciences, the use of mathematical modelling and computer simulation methods has brought many benefits. This is the case, for example, in physics. Biology makes very little use of these methods. One of the reasons for this may be that the biology teaching process is conducted in such a way that it discourages young people with an interest in mathematics and computer science. We propose to support the process of teaching biology by introducing simple elements of mathematical modelling of ecological processes. In this work, we showed what benefits would be the application of the NetLogo program in teaching biology in secondary schools. NetLogo is a multi-agent programming language designed to simulate complex phenomena. It is intended for both research and education and is used in a wide variety of scientific disciplines. We used the NetLogo program to create a model of searching for food by ants. We have shown that teaching biology by building a computer model forces a deeper understanding of the problem we are working on and uses and develops the creative abilities of young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:17331218
DOI:10.21697/seb.2023.12