NetLogo

By: Rhonda Adams

 

NetLogo is a simulation program that is a free download from the following website. http://ccl.northwestern.edu/netlogo/

 

This free download enables you to create simulations which may either be run on Mac, Windows, or Linux systems. It is a simple program to understand with options to program your own simulation from scratch, or they have a wide variety of simulations already programmed in the Models Library. If you simply want to use the models, you don't need to download the program, but may view it from their website models link:  http://ccl.northwestern.edu/netlogo/models/  You will need Java 1.4.1 or later to view the models.

 

This enables teachers, and students to fully understand such concepts as Erosion, Social Dynamics, or any curriculum area you would like, but in a safe electronic environment. You may also design simulations in which your students may participate, giving their input, and tracking data. The data can be exported to make movies, spreadsheets, or graphing programs for final presentations.

 

The downside of this program is it does take time to understand how to program simulations, however, there are quite a few to choose from in the Models Library to use until you can make your own.

 

Some of the simulations you might find ready made are in the curriculum areas of art, Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, Mathematics, Social Science, etc.  Some simulations are simply viewing the results, while others are interactive and will depend on student involvement for the results.  I higly recommend using this if you are a science teacher because some situations we teach in science are hard to understand without a visual model explaining the concept.  This program provides that concept.

 

Look at the example on the simulation of the continental divide.  This has applications in not only earth systems, but geography as well as history.