LAB - Natural Selection PhET - English

Contributed By

Wendy Mayea

Endorsed by

High Quality Resources

Resource Type

Classroom Material

Keywords

PhET Wendy Mayea adaptation evolution generation mutation natural selection predator-prey speciation

Subjects

Life Sciences Science Biological Evolution and Adaptation

Grade Levels

Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

Audience

Classroom Teacher / Educator

Standards

Next Generation Science Standards

HS-LS4-2 Construct an explanation based on evidence that the process of evolution primarily results from four factors: (1) the potential for a species to increase in number, (2) the heritable genetic variation of individuals in a species due to mutation and sexual reproduction, (3) competition for limited resources, and (4) the proliferation of those organisms that are better able to survive and reproduce in the environment.

English Language Development Standards

ELD.PI.9-10.11a.Br Justify opinions or persuade others by making connections and distinctions between ideas and texts and articulating sufficient, detailed, and relevant textual evidence or background knowledge, using appropriate register.

Related Resources

Appears In

LAB - Natural Selection PhET - English

This lab was created for high school science students in the Simi Valley Unified School District to accompany the SLIDES - Natural Selection to Speciation. In this lab, students use the Natural Selection PhET Simulation website to model adapations over generations in rabbit and wolf populations.

Natural selection explains how species change over time. Organisms with traits that help them to survive are passed to future generations, making them more common. In this lab, factors such as food availability, predators, and mutations impact the survival of rabbits. Students observe how natural selection works and understand why some traits become more common while others disappear.

Data tables, analysis questions, and a vocabulary review are provided in this worksheet to accompany the interactive Natural Selection PhET Simulation website model. A translated template is available for Spanish speakers.

Download Document LAB - Natural Selection PhET - English.pdf (80.4 KB)

Author

University of Colorado

Publisher

PhET Interactive Simulations