Learner Guide

Network Builder learner guide

Use this guide to frame the tool with a clear question, expected observations, and model-limits discussion rather than treating it as a stand-alone demo.

Open application Teacher guide Standards and alignment

Getting Started

What to do first

Randomize terminals and run the default search once.
Watch how best cost changes over generations.
Use the animation to compare earlier and later candidate networks.

Learner tasks

Change population size or mutation rate and compare the effect on best cost.
Switch to manual terminal placement and compare whether geometry changes what the search does well.
Explain why a good search strategy matters when there are many possible network layouts.

Core Question

How can iterative search produce lower-cost networks from the same set of points?

Scientific Virtues

Habits to practice

State clearly what the model demonstrates and what it does not claim about real systems.
Use repeated runs and comparisons as evidence instead of relying on one striking outcome.
Treat model limitations as part of the explanation, not as an afterthought.

Continue the thread

Use the Scientific Virtues page to connect model use with evidence, skepticism, and revision.