A Hands-On Modeling Approach to Evolution: Learning about the Evolution of Cooperation and Altruism Through Multi-Agent Modeling – The EACH Project
D. Centola, E. McKenzie, and U. Wilensky 2000 Proceedings of the Fourth Annual International Conference of the Learning Sciences

This paper addresses hands-on approaches to teaching evolution as a complex system, emphasizing altruistic and cooperative traits, not merely “survival of the fittest,” as beneficial to individual survival. Materials developed by The Evolution of Alturistic and Cooperative Habits (EACH) project allow students to test their intuitions and explore evolutionary scenarios while gaining an appreciation of the evolutionary process in the light of complex environmental and social factors. This study involved students working with models written in StarLogoT, a multi-agent computer modeling language. The students would view a model and discuss its outputs, individually explore models and record outputs, revise the model, and create their own conceptual models and code them in StarLogoT. It was found that after using the models, students developed a greater understanding of the idea of fitness as being part of a group as opposed to only individual strength. They also better understood the complexity of evolution, realizing that while selfish agents fare better against altruistic agents, altruistic agents fare better against nature.

Subject: Biology:Evolution, Education
Resource Type: Scientific Resources:Overview/Reference Work, Research Results, Report
Research on Learning: Geoscience Expertise:Complex Systems, Instructional Design:Use of Technology, Affective Domain:Teaching Controversial Topics