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Learning Goals & Products

Learning Goals

1

Students will be able to model natural selection in a local fish population by showing how genetic variation affects survival and reproduction in a changing environment.

2

Students will be able to analyze evidence of environmental change in a local ecosystem by connecting habitat shifts, climate change, or human impacts to changes in species survival.

3

Students will be able to synthesize information about artificial selection by explaining how humans have changed the inheritance of desired traits in organisms.

4

Students will be able to investigate genetic traits in brook trout or another local species by gathering and interpreting data from research and local ecosystem sources.

5

Students will be able to communicate a scientifically supported conservation solution to a conservation partner by presenting a SWAP recommendation aligned to local biodiversity needs.

6

Students will be able to evaluate the effectiveness of conservation strategies by comparing how different actions might preserve genetic diversity and support ecosystem sustainability.

Products

individual

Individual Species Survival Model with Evidence Brief

Students create a model of a local fish population or other local species over time and write a brief evidence-based explanation of how genetic traits affect survival in changing conditions. The product demonstrates individual understanding of natural selection, artificial selection, local data, and conservation reasoning.

team

SWAP Conservation Proposal Presentation for Local Experts

Student teams develop and present a SWAP-style conservation proposal for a local conservation partner, recommending a scientifically supported action to protect a species and its genetic diversity. The presentation must show collaborative analysis, clear communication, and a feasible solution aligned to the local ecosystem challenge.

Rubric
Competency Progression Rubric Competency-first rubric
Category
Learning Goal
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4
Deeper Learning Competencies
Effective Communication
  • I can describe my model of natural selection by explaining how genetic variations help some species survive changes in their environment and use specific examples to show how these changes happen over many generations
  • I clearly share my ideas with my peers and community partners, ensuring they understand the importance of what I have learned about evolution and ecosystem sustainability.
  • I can explain how natural and artificial selection impact local ecosystems by using specific examples of species and genetic traits, and I am able to share what I've learned about these processes by creating a clear and organized presentation for my peers, even if I need some guidance to fully connect my findings to sustainability practices.
  • I can confidently present my SWAP project to community partners and peers, clearly explaining how the model simulates genetic variation and showcases sustainable strategies for biodiversity conservation
  • I effectively use visuals and data to support my key points and respond thoughtfully to feedback, demonstrating understanding and engagement with local ecosystem challenges.
  • I can effectively communicate the impact of genetic variations on species survival and reproduction by using a model to describe natural selection and artificial selection processes, and present my findings clearly and persuasively to local conservation stakeholders, demonstrating an insightful understanding of biodiversity changes and sustainable practices.
Deeper Learning Competencies
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
  • I can begin to explore the basic concepts of natural and artificial selection by identifying simple genetic traits that may influence species survival, using basic models to show how these traits might affect populations in changing environments and gathering initial ideas to connect these observations to real-world environmental issues.
  • I can identify and explain some of the basic processes of natural and artificial selection using models, showing how certain traits can help species adapt and survive in changing environments
  • I am beginning to analyze real-world examples, like local wildlife, to connect genetic traits to environmental changes, with some guidance in my investigation and analysis.
  • I can analyze and explain how genetic variations impact species survival in changing environments by using models to simulate natural and artificial selection
  • I apply this understanding to develop strategic solutions for enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem sustainability, effectively drawing connections to real-world environmental challenges.
  • I can critically evaluate and integrate diverse information about both natural and artificial selection to develop a comprehensive model that predicts the impact of genetic variations on species survival in fluctuating environments
  • I demonstrate mastery by confidently using data from local ecosystems to support my model, apply innovative conservation strategies, and effectively present findings to community partners, showing a deep understanding of biodiversity changes and its implications for sustainable practices.