Most students have seen an exponential model for population growth and know that it predicts unlimited growth. Better models, such as the logistic growth model, should incorporate assumptions to account for limitation of resources. In this activity, participants collect data from a physical simulation of resource-limited growth, prepare a variety of graphs to visualize the data, construct a verbal model based on their observations and the graphs, and (for those who want to go this far) construct a symbolic model from the verbal model.

The files include a document that describes the manipulative experiment and the computer programs along with three R scripts that can be used to automate the experiment to allow students to collect more data than can reasonably be done with the manipulative.

American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges. Here they propose standards that mathematics be taught like sciences as a laboratory discipline.

Simulations that  model  prey density with consumption by one predator as well as a population of an insect over time.  

CBE Life Sci Educ. 2010 Fall; 9(3): 201–211.

doi:  10.1187/cbe.10-03-0040

Mathematical Manipulative Models: In Defense of “Beanbag Biology”

John R. Jungck,* Holly Gaff,† and Anton E. Weisstein‡

This paper discusses a number of experiential tools for improved quantitative understanding in the biology classroom.

You tube video

Explains a study done on calculus students to better understand how to shape their curriculum. 

Explains the ways that Exponential growth models and logistic models depict real world scenarios to students.

A project dedicated to helping students understand science. Explains how various elements of science works and how science is in everyday life. 

Explains how a steady state system stays constant overtime. Also, explains how an equilibrium stays stable overtime. 

Determines the mathematical needs of colleges. Also offers  a curriculum guide. Focuses on two key main points:

• Determining  mathematical needs and priorities their partner disciplines by offering 22 weekend workshops.
• Supporting mathematics departments to develop and offer an engaging  College Algebra courses.

Its a vision to change Biology education through innovative ideas. The organization involved is the American Association for the Advancement in Science. They are searching for the best ways to teach biology.