Abstract
Complex systems are challenging for students, especially younger students, to learn. In this paper, we argue that agent-based models (ABMs) of social insects provide an engaging and effective space for students to learn powerful ideas about complex systems. We designed a curricular unit called BeeSmart centering on ABMs of honeybees’ collective behavior. Preliminary results from an implementation at a high school showed that ABMs of social insects could be a promising approach to introduce complex systems to a younger audience.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings of the Artificial Life Conference 2016, ALIFE 2016 |
Editors | Carlos Gershenson, Tom Froese, Jesus M. Siqueiros, Wendy Aguilar, Eduardo J. Izquierdo, Sayama Hiroki |
Publisher | MIT Press Journals |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780262339360 |
State | Published - 2016 |
Event | 15th International Conference on the Synthesis and Simulation of Living Systems, ALIFE 2016 - Cancun, Mexico Duration: Jul 4 2016 → Jul 8 2016 |
Publication series
Name | Proceedings of the Artificial Life Conference 2016, ALIFE 2016 |
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Conference
Conference | 15th International Conference on the Synthesis and Simulation of Living Systems, ALIFE 2016 |
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Country/Territory | Mexico |
City | Cancun |
Period | 7/4/16 → 7/8/16 |
Funding
This work is supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant #DRL-1020101 and #DRL-1109834.
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
- Artificial Intelligence
- Modeling and Simulation