Exploring Weight Regulation using Stella Modeling Software

 

Robert Kosinski

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2005, Volume 26

Abstract

Weight loss is a high-interest subject among most students. This exercise is used in introductory biology laboratories at Clemson University. It asks students to determine their Body Mass Index, and then estimate the percent body fat of a student volunteer by both skinfold thickness and impedance analysis. Finally, the students explore weight regulation using both a simple Stella model that the students construct themselves, plus a more complex model derived from the literature. Because of space limitations, this manuscript only includes the notes to the instructor portion of the exercise. The student exercise and four Stella models (for both Macintosh and Windows) are posted on a Clemson Web site (http://biology.clemson.edu/bpc/bp/Lab/111/weight.html). Download instructions appear at the end of the article.

Keywords:  modeling, body mass index

Bowling Green State University, Ohio (2004)