Using External Representations to Support Mathematical Modelling Competence in Biology Education

The best explanatory approaches in the natural sciences are based on mathematical models. The COVID-19 pandemic or climate change illustrate the importance of mathematical modelling. This study focusses on the influence of external representations, texts, diagrams, and images, as well as mathematical expertise, on modelling competence for biochemical concepts. Especially the cross-curricular aspect of these tasks shows the influence of different science disciplines on concrete skills and abilities in biology. Consequently, the participants were asked to complete an enzyme kinetics task that was based on Schmidt and Di Fuccia's (Giornale Di Didattica E Cultura Della Società Chimica Italiana 34(3):331--335, 2012) seven-step modelling cycle. A mixed-methods approach, involving quantitative frequency analysis and a qualitative analysis of the participants' statements, was used. Elaboration behaviour was found to be increased through representation, as well as expertise. These results indicate the positive influence of external representations and mathematical competence on modelling competence. Furthermore, different biological topics (e.g. epidemiology) need to be elaborated as well.