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This unit reviews concepts related to natural selection and Darwin’s theory of evolution. It provides students with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the process of natural selection and how it can be represented and demonstrated using computer models. Students will learn how computer models are built and used as testbeds to run simulation experiments. They will also explore the practices of professional practitioners in computational biology.
Students will interpret code in the model and then compare it with what they know about those processes in the natural world. They will manipulate a model that explores the impact of environmental changes on the survival of moths over several generations based upon their ability to change color as camouflage from predators.
Students will argue from evidence using the Claims, Evidence, Reasoning (CER) framework to assess the validity of the model. Finally, students will modify the model to match their understanding of processes and/or answer new questions.
Resources available:
- Student materials in Google Documents
- Teacher guide in PDF with pacing guide and standards
- Teacher workbook with answer keys