Thursday, 20 August 2015

Working Scientifically: Modelling Natural Selection

Activity
In this activity, students use matchsticks to model natural selection. Working on a blue carpet, they try and pick up as many matchsticks (coloured blue and pink) as they can in a limited time. This demonstrates the effect of camouflage on predation and how this changes the ratios of the model organism over time. This prac is aimed at a lower ability stage 5 class, as such it is very highly scaffolded. The practical itself means that students who struggle with the concept of natural selection are able to model it and see it for themselves. Students of a higher ability who complete the work earlier will be able to continue modelling natural selection over further generations.

Syllabus Dot points covered
WS4 Students question and predict by:
a. formulating questions or hypotheses that can be investigated scientifically
WS6 Students conduct investigations by:
e. reporting data and information, evidence and findings, with accuracy and honesty
f. evaluating the effectiveness of the planned procedure, co
WS7.1 Students process data and information by:
e. identifying data which supports or discounts a question or hypothesis being investigated or a proposed solution to a problem
f. describing specific ways to improve the quality of the data
WS8 Students solve problems by:
d. using cause-and-effect relationships to explain ideas
e. using models to explain phenomena and make predictions

LW4
a. describe scientific evidence that present-day organisms have evolved from organisms in the past
c. explain, using examples, how natural selection relates to changes in a population, eg in the development of resistance of bacteria to antibiotics and insects to pesticides


Activity Sheet






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