ICLS 2000 Proceedings

 

A Hands-on Modeling Approach to Evolution: Learning about the Evolution of Cooperation and Altruism Through Multi-Agent Modeling - The EACH Project

Damon Centola, Uri Wilensky, Eamon McKenzie
Center for Connected Learning & Computer-Based Modeling
Northwestern University
Tel: (847) 467-3818
Email: damon@ccl.tufts.edu, uriw@media.mit.edu, emckenzie@tufts.edu

Abstract: This paper presents a hands-on approach to learning about evolution; specifically, the evolution of altruistic and cooperative behavior. The classical view of individual selection stresses the importance of competition between individuals for resources and survival. On this view, altruistic and cooperative behavior appear to be disadvantageous for evolutionary success. However, looking at evolution as a complex system, altruism and cooperation can be seen as valuable traits for individual survival. The EACH project developed hands-on materials that enabled students to engage and test their intuitions about the fitness and evolutionary success of altruistic behavior. The primary materials consisted of a set of multi-agent models (written in StarLogoT) and associated activities that guided students in exploring evolutionary scenarios. Through their involvement in the EACH project, many students who had started with an understanding of evolutionary fitness as a trait of isolated individuals came to appreciate the complexity of environmental and social factors in the evolutionary process.

Keywords: science education, modeling/models, learning environments, mathematics education

 

Preferred Citation Format:
Centola, D., Wilensky, U., & McKenzie, E. (2000). A Hands-on Modeling Approach to Evolution: Learning about the Evolution of Cooperation and Altruism Through Multi-Agent Modeling - The EACH Project. In B. Fishman & S. O'Connor-Divelbiss (Eds.), Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference of the Learning Sciences (pp. 166-173). Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.

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