Underneath our feet, spreading across the globe, a magnificent being resides. As a living network, it breaks down compounds from minerals and dead plants and animals in the soil (and pollutants as well), only to distribute these nutrients to other living organisms. Therefore, providing the cyclical nature characteristic of Nature. When conditions are right, some of these organisms will fruit into beautiful mushrooms, some of which are incredibly nutritious and with miraculous medicinal properties. The organism described is the Mycelium, or the vegetative part of a fungus organism.
In this project we will create an agent based model that simulates possible mechanisms through which fungi mycelium grows, as observed through microscopic lenses. For that we will be working with NetLogo Web, a very powerful online modeling environment. Learns will be introduced to this environment, as well as the basics of the Logo programming language.
Note: This project works best for learners who are based in the North America region. We’re currently working on providing the same experience in other regions.
Overview
Syllabus
- Mycelium Growth with NetLogo Web
- According to world renowned mycologist Paul Stamets, terrestrial organisms have evolved to be interconnected with the mycelial web of life, and we are its descendants (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpCERNXtvMA). Therefore, studying and learning about these beings is analogue to striving for self-knowledge. With that as a background, this project will take you on a modeling biomimicry journey: we will build an agent based model that mimics the growth patterns of fungi mycelium using NetLogo Web, a powerful online modeling environment which not only allows for the creation of a wide range of models, but also to easy sharing via html.
Taught by
Danilo Oliveira Vaz
