Electronic Proceedings of the Twelfth Annual International Conference on Technology in Collegiate MathematicsSan Francisco, California, November 4-7, 1999Paper C018Using StarLogo to Introduce Differential Equations |
Philip AndersonDepartment of Mathematics South Plains College Box 134 Levelland, TX 79336 USA panderso@spc.cc.tx.us | Carl R. SeaquistDepartment of Mathematics and Statistics Texas Tech University Lubbock, TX 79409-1042 USA seaqucr@math.ttu.edu |
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ABSTRACT
Massively parallel programming languages, like StarLogo, provide a rich environment for introducing differential equations to students with an unsophisticated mathematical background. In this paper we describe the basic software for simulating and monitoring various population dynamics. Simple differential equations that describe the observed dynamics are introduced. The same environment is then used to explore solutions to the differential equations using Euler's method. Many solutions can be displayed simultaneously and viewed as a flow, which is easier to understand than the more traditional slope fields. All software is written in StarLogo, a massively parallel version of Logo, and can be easily modified, thus permitting students to embark on their own explorations.Keyword(s): differential equations, programming