Technologies to support the creation of complex systems models—using StarLogo software with students

Research on complex, adaptive systems has made significant advances in recent years in the study of natural and social phenomena that exhibit random variation and selection, resulting in learning or evolution. Unfortunately, students (including K-12, undergraduate and graduate) in most biology programs have little opportunity to explore complex systems during the course of their studies. StarLogo and the Adventures in Modeling Curriculum [Adventures in Modeling: Exploring Complex, Dynamic Systems with StarLogo. Teachers College Press, New York] provide an easily accessible entry point into complex systems modeling for students and other novice modelers. These specialized tools can provide powerful insights into the dynamics of systems and create opportunities to explore challenging and meaningful domains in the biological sciences. Specific applications to epidemiological and ecological systems are explored, including the often debated topic of the evolution of reduced attack rates in predator–prey systems.