Students study the principles of genetic equilibrium and natural selection as a process of evolution using this bilingual English/Spanish kit. A simulation is used to develop insights about the genetic process involved when natural selection operates within a population in genetic equilibrium. Students use the data collected in the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium to understand better the actual complexity of natural selection. All material in this activity, for 30 students, is reusable.
Scientific Concepts:
Understand the principles of genetic equilibrium and natural selection as a process of evolution
Collect data from a simulated genetic process when natural selection is operating on a population in genetic equilibrium
Use data in a Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium
Understand that gene frequencies in equilibrium will remain in equilibrium in the absence of mutation, migration, or selection
Understand that natural selection operates against the less favorable phenotypes in a population resulting in a larger proportion of favorable phenotypes in subsequent generations
Content List:
1Teacher's Guide
30Student Worksheets and Guides
15Shakers
60Alleles, plastic, dark-colored
40Alleles, plastic, light-colored
Classroom Planning:
To complete this kit requires one ~50-minute class period