Roblox Ecosystem Simulator: Code Predators, Prey and Plants

Ecosystems are constantly balancing. In this eight-week course learners build a simulation in Roblox Studio where plants, herbivores and predators interact, and they watch how populations change over time.

Learners start by learning about food chains, energy flow and population balance. They build a meadow world and code grass that slowly regrows after being eaten. Next they create simple herbivores, such as rabbits, that wander, eat grass and reproduce when they have enough energy. Learners then add predators, such as foxes, that hunt rabbits and lose energy over time.

In the middle weeks learners add a population counter and a simple graph that tracks numbers over time. They run experiments by changing one variable, like how fast grass grows or how many foxes start, and observe what happens. Learners discover boom and bust cycles and discuss what keeps an ecosystem balanced.

In the final weeks learners add an event, such as a drought or a new species, and predict its effects before testing. They present their simulation and explain one experiment they ran. The teacher explains both the biology and the code clearly, using provided templates so learners can focus on ideas.

By the end learners will understand ecosystem balance and how scientists use simulations. Some basic Lua experience is helpful.

How classes work

Each class introduces an ecology idea and a coding step. Learners run experiments in their simulation and record results.

What we'll cover

• Week 1: Food Chains and Energy – Learn how energy flows through an ecosystem.

• Week 2: Growing Grass – Code grass that regrows.

• Week 3: Herbivores – Code rabbits that wander, eat and reproduce.

• Week 4: Predators – Add foxes that hunt and lose energy.

• Week 5: Population Tracking – Count and graph populations over time.

• Week 6: Experiments – Change one variable and observe results.

• Week 7: Disruptions – Add droughts or new species and predict effects.

• Week 8: Simulation Showcase – Present an experiment and findings.

Basic Lua knowledge such as variables and loops is helpful. Templates are provided.