Let’s explore classic models to see NetLogo in action.
Activity 1: Wolf Sheep Predation¶
Step 1: Open the model
- File → Models Library
- Browse to “Biology” → “Wolf Sheep Predation”
- Click “Open”
Step 2: Explore the interface
Wolf Sheep Predation model interface showing controls and visualization.
- Sliders (1): initial-number-sheep, initial-number-wolves, etc.
- Buttons (2): setup, go, go (forever)
- Plots (3): populations over time
- Monitors (4): current populations
- Choosers (5): select model version
- Switches (6): toggle features like “show energy”
Step 3: Run your first simulation
- Click “setup” (creates initial population)
- Click “go” several times (runs step-by-step)
- Or click “go forever” (runs continuously)
Step 4: Experiment with parameters
- Reset: Click “setup”
- Change “initial-number-wolves” to 250 (very high)
- Click “setup” then “go” - what happens?
- Try very few wolves (10) - how does this change things?
Activity 2: Exploration Exercise¶
Your turn! Pick any model from the Models Library and explore for 10 minutes.
Suggested models for social scientists:
- Segregation (Social Science) - neighborhood preferences and segregation
- Voting (Social Science) - how voting behaviors spread
- Cooperation (Social Science) - prisoner’s dilemma strategies
- Traffic Basic (Social Science) - traffic jams from individual decisions
For each model:
- Read the Info tab - what is this about?
- Run with default settings - what happens?
- Change parameters - how do outcomes change?
- Form a hypothesis - “If I change X, then Y will happen”
- Test it - were you right?
Share one surprising discovery: What model did you choose and what surprised you most?