Demystifying Ecological Modeling

The world’s ecological systems face a myriad of challenges, including disturbances associated with climate change and changes in land use. While it is known that these disturbances have increased in frequency and intensity, an understanding of the totality of their impact, or the ability to predict ecosystem response is still a work in progress. Ecological modeling can be a great tool to help achieve ecological learning objects in college-level courses, and form the foundation for a better understanding and proactive management of ecological systems. We present a hands-on ecological modeling activity that aims to foster critical thinking about the dynamism of ecological systems and their response to stressors, increase modeling literacy and confidence among students, and empower instructors to integrate modeling in their ecological course content. We hope that this activity will serve as a complementary tool in the teaching and learning of ecological systems and their response to disturbances, and contribute to a reduction in the barriers to successful adoption and integration of ecological modeling in program curricula in academic institutions.