EChalk

Link to peppered moth simulation

Introduction
eChalk is a website with lots of interactive games and simulations based around a variety of topics, from humanities to maths and science. Although you need a paid subscription to unlock the majority of the site, there are many simulations that can be accessed in the free version. As with many simulations, this has great potential for engaging students through its use of games and activities which allows students to see the scientific principle being demonstrated, but also have fun and feel as though they're playing a game at the same time.

Instructions
The simulation I chose is a visual representation of the peppered moth story. This is an example commonly used in biology as it's a great example of how natural selection works through selective pressures and also how humans have changed the environment and the impact this has on various organisms.

To play this game, click the link above.

The user plays as a bird eating the peppered moth and clicks on a moth to eat it. The user can also select if they want to simulate the conditions prior to the industrial revolution and after the industrial evolution and compare how easy or difficult it is to eat the moths depending on the colour of the trees. 

This is an excellent way to start a class discussion about the processes of natural selection and how it relates to human activity. 

Outcomes

Stage 6
9.3.1.2.1 outline the impact on the evolution of plants and animals of: changes in physical/chemical conditions in the environment and competition for resources
9.3.1.3.2 analyse information from secondary sources to prepare a case study to show how an environmental change can lead to changes in a species
7.1 H2 analyses the ways in which models, theories and laws in biology have been tested and validated
7.1 H7 analyses the impact of natural and human processes on biodiversity

7.1 H8 evaluates the impact of human activity on the interactions of organisms and their environment

7.1 H10 describes the mechanisms of evolution and assesses the impact of human activity on evolution