Centuries of practice clearly demonstrate that immunization by means of vaccination reduces the disease burden in human and nonhuman animal species. While the emphasis on individual health and fitness is important, the role of immunization in maintaining the health of entire populations or communities is also important. I developed a simulation that allows participants to actively explore the value of herd immunity in controlling the spread of infectious disease, first by considering how quickly an entire population may become ill if no one has immunity, and then after immunization of 80% of the population. Pretest, posttest, and four-week follow-up questionnaire data collected from nonmajor introductory biology students suggest that active engagement in an activity such as the one described may contribute to longer-term retention of the principles and concepts than presentation by lecture alone.

Students often enter biology programs deficient in the math and computational skills that would enhance their attainment of a deeper understanding of the discipline. To address some of these concerns, I developed a series of spreadsheet simulation exercises that focus on some of the mathematical foundations of scientific inquiry and the benefits of mathematical modeling in understanding some of the fundamental concepts of ecology, including topics such as population growth, selection, competition, predation, and sustainability. In the example presented here, students collect data from a computer-generated study site and then use basic spreadsheet skills to calculate, graphically visualize, and compare sample means (± SE) to effectively discover why random and transect sampling are superior to biased sampling, and to explore the effects of sample size on the standard error of the mean. Pre- and post-exercise questionnaires suggest that spreadsheet models such as this one are effective in improving students’ attainment of the target principles. Spreadsheet simulations can be used as a low-cost, easily accessible way to leverage technology to supplement lecture or laboratory content while fostering vital math and computer skills.

Optimal diet selection, a component of optimal foraging theory, suggests that animals should select a diet that either maximizes energy or nutrient consumption per unit time or minimizes the foraging time needed to attain required energy or nutrients. In this exercise, students simulate the behavior of foragers that either show no foraging preference or demonstrate a foraging preference based on profitability ratios (average energy content of food item, E//average handling time, h). Foragers that optimize their diets consistently acquire more total energy in a timed foraging period. The demonstration is scalable to a full laboratory exercise with statistical analysis and graphing activities.