Conduct Simulation-Based Experiments in a Virtual Lake Ecosystem

• Understand food chains
• Design experiments
• Introduce trophic interdependencies

Build a deep understanding of how food chains work by simulating experiments in Lake Mirabile’s virtual ecosystem. You can design the experiments by choosing the plant and animal species you wish to include and/or by adjusting various ecosystem parameters, then test hypotheses through simulation, and find explanations for your results. In the process, you’ll develop a thorough understanding of the dynamics of trophic level interdependencies, while honing skills in applying the scientific method. The program offers an optional Generalizing section in which students will re-discover several of the key concepts they encountered in contexts more directly related to their everyday lives. Includes a teacher’s guide.System RequirementsMac: OS9.2 - OSX Classic, 128RAM, 70 MB hard disc spaceWindows: 95/98/NT/2000/XP, 64 RAM, 70 MB hard drive space