Week 10 Blog Post

   


    This week in lab, we did a simulation/game on natural selection and evolution, where my group members and I each had different traits (represented by utensils - fork, spoon, and popicle stick). These traits either helped our ability to pick up beans (prey) or didn't help. Individuals with the most favorable traits (like fork or spoon) collect the most beans, meaning they are more "successful." Those with less favorable traits struggled. After each round, the organism with the least favorable trait—meaning the one that collected the fewest beans—had the opportunity to choose a different trait (utensil). By the end of three rounds, we used our data to evaluate the hypothesis we had made before starting the simulation. This activity demonstrated the process of natural selection and evolution. It mirrored real-world evolution, where organisms with advantageous traits survive and pass them on, while less favorable traits become less common. 

    Before this simulation, I already understood that natural selection is the process by which organisms with beneficial traits are more likely to survive and reproduce. However, this activity made that concept more clear. This activity made it easy to see how traits that help an organism survive become more common in a population.

    This activity is a great example of an engaging, hands-on learning experience. In the future, I can apply this approach to teaching by incorporating interactive activities that allow students to explore scientific concepts in a memorable and engaging way. Instead of just explaining natural selection, I could use similar games to help students experience it firsthand. 

Comments

  1. TaylorApril 3, 2025 at 6:40 AM

    Hi Audrey! I also thought this activity made the concept of natural selection much more clear. In the future I think this would be a great activity to use in your future classroom. Great post!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kendra KalkwarfApril 3, 2025 at 11:07 AM

    Hi Audrey! This activity did a very good job of showing real-world evolution. I also understood what natural selection was before this activity, but I do agree it was nice to see a visual representation. This and similar hands-on activities would be great to incorporate into a future classroom.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Carly BorthApril 4, 2025 at 3:33 PM

    Hi Audrey! I found it interesting to review natural selection and evolution this week. I thought that our lab activity was particularly helpful for my understanding of these processes. It provided a way to visualize evolution and the process of natural selection. Similar to you, I plan on incorporating similar interactive activities to allow students to explore concepts in an engaging way. Great post!

    ReplyDelete

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