NetLogo [1] is a multi-agent modeling and simulation environment, as wellas a programming language, of the Logo family [2]. It is used both forresearch purposes, in order to model the behavior of systems under study [3]– especially Complex systems – and for educational purposes, in order forthe students to learn about natural systems, showing collective behavior [4].In this study, NetLogo is used as an educational tool only, and specially inthe context of teaching and learning about ecosystems. Many researchersand educators have been using NetLogo in order to model ecosystems [5]and more specifically in order to teach people about ecosystems’ specificproperties and behavior [6]-[8]. The difference of the current approach liesin that: All the educational researchers using NetLogo to teach about naturalsystems, have been using it to teach, either as a simulation environmentcombined with worksheets [9]-[11] or they have previously taught theirlearners basic things about NetLogo programming, and then have used it asan instructional tool [12], [13]. In our project, the student “builds” a newartifact: a NetLogo model performing optimally under the specifications setto it. He/she simultaneously learns through building the model, inaccordance with the basic principles of Constructionism [14], [15] but withno necessity of NetLogo programming, when creating the models. This isdone by “menu” selections (buttons) mainly, or by oral answers. Of course,the interaction with the models (sliders, switches and buttons being able tomove) definitely remains a key-feature of learning, since the models used
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