Knowledge/Skill Building
🧬 Natural vs Artificial Selection Lab
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Effective Communication
8.MS-LS4-4
8.MS-LS4-5
Big Ideas
Real-World Challenge
Learning Partners and Clients
Submission Required
Through a quick trait-card simulation, students model a fish population with two heritable traits under changing temperature and fishing pressure. The teacher explicitly contrasts natural selection (environmental pressures) with artificial selection (hatchery stocking for size). Students graph one generation shift and discuss how allele frequency might change over time.
Plan day
Day 1
Duration
35 min
Grouping
Small Group
Steps
6 steps
Lesson plan
6 steps · 35 min| # | What teachers do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to the activity and real-world context is provided. Discuss the impact of overfishing and environmental changes on fish populations. (5 min) |
| 2 | Explain natural selection vs. artificial selection using examples from local ecosystems and human interventions. (5 min) |
| 3 | Distribute trait cards to students and explain how to simulate a fish population with heritable traits. Clarify the rules for simulation. (5 min) |
| 4 | Conduct the trait-card simulation where students model population changes under different environmental pressures. (10 min) |
| 5 | Allow students to graph the data from their simulations, illustrating one generation shift in allele frequency. (5 min) |
| 6 | Discuss the results as a class, contrasting observed outcomes with predictions about natural and artificial selection. (5 min) |
Preparation (3 items)
- Prepare a set of trait cards representing various heritable traits relevant to the fish species chosen for simulation.
- Arrange to have example data or visuals demonstrating real-world impacts of natural and artificial selection in local ecosystems.
- Ensure access to graphing tools or software that students can use to plot their simulation results.
Student-facing instructions
You will simulate a fish population's response to environmental pressures using trait cards. Begin by examining your trait cards and understanding how each trait might affect survival. Conduct the simulation to see which traits become more prevalent in your population over time. Once done, graph your findings to show changes between generations. Your goal is to understand how genetic traits influence species survival and discuss these findings with your peers.