This is a Computational Science module that involves cross-curricular collaboration between math, science, and computer classes. The problem originated with Biology students needing this knowledge to pass the Tennessee Gateway test that is required for graduation, but is also part of the National Science Educational Standards. The students will participate in an experiment and collect and analyze data. This lab is easily produced with little to no cost, as materials should be in the school.

The lab philosophy encourages presentation of an open-ended problem in which the curriculum is imbedded. This particular problem certainly meets those criteria. It is as open-ended as the instructor will allow. We encourage you to let the students do as much of the thinking and design as they can manage while you coach them toward the learning that fits the lesson objectives. Various levels of mathematical analysis are contained in this problem. Math classes can easily become involved throughout the entire analysis process. Computer classes can also become involved, as Excel is used to model what has happened.