Three-dimensional Science Learning & Agent-based Modeling
"By grade 12, students should be able to use (provided) computer simulations or simulations developed with simple simulation tools as a tool for understanding and investigating aspects of a system, particularly those not readily visible to the naked eye."
-National Research Council. 2012. A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/13165.
What's new?
New model: Infectious Disease Outbreak-Immunity Durability and Booster Vaccination (2-4-2023)
New model: Infectious Disease Outbreak-Mutation and Masking (2-2-2023)
New model series: Natural Selection (Grade 6-8) (1-30-2023)
New model: Genetic Linkage Analysis in Drosophila (1-27-2023)
Lesson introductions have been posted on our YouTube Channel. Subscribe it!
Model updates: All genetic models have been refined to increase their usability (12-9-2022).
New model: The pH of Solution (11-14-2022)
New model: Titration of acid with a strong base (11-14-2022)
New model: Titration of base with a strong acid (11-14-2022)
New model: Buffer Titration (11-14-2022)
New model: Dissolved Inorganic Carbon in a closed system (11-14-2022)
New model: Ocean acidification (11-14-2022)
New article: Supporting Three-dimensional Learning on Ecosystems Using an Agent-Based Computer Model
New article: Developing and Using Computer Models to Understand Epidemics
New Model Series: Community interactions (including four interaction models and a game, 3-27-2022)
Welcome to 3D Science & Agent-based Modeling
Students at K-12 levels are expected to perform science and engineering practices and use disciplinary core ideas and crosscutting concepts to make sense of natural phenomena and solve problems (NRC, 2012). This website provides a number of agent-based computer models to support such three-dimensional science learning processes. Developed by Dr. Lin Xiang in the Department of STEM Education at the University of Kentucky, these models allow students to investigate a range of biological processes and phenomena highlighted in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). For example, the "Carrying Capacity" model specifically addresses the NGSS performance expectation "HS-LS2-1 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics". Using these models may create a learning environment that engages students in making observations, asking questions, collecting and analyzing data, conducting mathematical and computational thinking, identifying patterns and causality, and constructing explanations. When desired, teachers may even engage students in computational modeling using relevant programming languages. For example, students may develop and use agent-based computer models to understand epidemics and explore how to mitigate them.
What is an agent-based computer model (ABM)?
How do agent-based computer models support student learning?
Find models by topics
Find Models by NGSS Disciplinary Core Ideas
Earth & Space Science
Physical Science
PS1-Matter and Its Interactions
PS2-Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions
PS3-Energy
PS4-Waves and Their Applications in Technologies for Information Transfer
JOIN US!
We have developed and field tested some ABM-enhanced Lesson units, see examples: Bark beetle epidemic and Big pumpkins. These computer models are free for school teachers and students. These units cannot become exist without the intensive contributions from our classroom teachers. We sincerely invite more science educators to join us to develop or test more ABM units.
Please contact us at:
Dr. Lin Xiang, Department of STEM Education, University of Kentucky
Email: lin.xiang@uky.edu