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Developing and Using Computer Models to Understand Epidemics

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Developing and Using Computer Models to Understand Epidemics
Language: English
Authors: Xiang, Lin, Diamond, Scott
Source: Science Teacher. Jan-Feb 2022 89(3):70-78.
Availability: National Science Teaching Association. 1840 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201-3000. Tel: 800-722-6782; Fax: 703-243-3924; e-mail: membership@nsta.org; Web site: https://www.nsta.org/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 9
Publication Date: 2022
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Descriptive
Descriptors: Science Instruction, COVID-19, Pandemics, Computer Simulation, Behavior, Interaction, Technology Uses in Education, Misconceptions, Epidemiology, Public Health, Mobility, Communicable Diseases, Immunization Programs, Health Behavior
ISSN: 0036-8555
Abstract: Over the past year, educators have developed curricula teaching about the COVID-19 pandemic (Reed 2020; Royce 2020; Sadler et al. 2020). Many of these curricula feature computer simulations of epidemic dynamics (Kelter 2020; Sadler et al. 2020). Because an epidemic pattern is an emergent property of interacting human behaviors, it is crucial for students to recognize the mechanism of its emergence. This article describes an eight-day unit in which students develop their own epidemic simulations and use them to investigate how individual human behaviors and interactions give rise to the epidemic dynamics at the population level. NetLogo (Wilensky 1999), a beginner-friendly, agent-based computer modeling tool, is used to empower students to design and modify their simulations. They collect data, identify patterns, and use mathematical and computational thinking to understand infectious disease spread and control.
Abstractor: ERIC
Entry Date: 2022
Access URL: https://www.nsta.org/science-teacher/science-teacher-januaryfebruary-2022/developing-and-using-computer-models
Accession Number: EJ1330322
Database: ERIC
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Description
Abstract:Over the past year, educators have developed curricula teaching about the COVID-19 pandemic (Reed 2020; Royce 2020; Sadler et al. 2020). Many of these curricula feature computer simulations of epidemic dynamics (Kelter 2020; Sadler et al. 2020). Because an epidemic pattern is an emergent property of interacting human behaviors, it is crucial for students to recognize the mechanism of its emergence. This article describes an eight-day unit in which students develop their own epidemic simulations and use them to investigate how individual human behaviors and interactions give rise to the epidemic dynamics at the population level. NetLogo (Wilensky 1999), a beginner-friendly, agent-based computer modeling tool, is used to empower students to design and modify their simulations. They collect data, identify patterns, and use mathematical and computational thinking to understand infectious disease spread and control.
ISSN:0036-8555