Disasters: Nature’s Idea of Selection

Monica Cohen

This unit is intended for high school biology students studying evolution and natural selection. The unit challenges students to understand, analyze, and apply the concepts of natural selection to multiple situations where the environment has changed. Students will experience case studies of natural and man-made disasters – pepper moths and the Industrial Revolution and Galapagos finches– will highlight the fluidity of natural selection. Students will use statistics and probability to determine a populations success in an environment. As a finished product, students are asked to visually model natural selection concepts in a real scenario and verbally explain their model. Written responses requiring evidence will be produced during the laboratory and simulation components of the section. Literacy skills and 21st century skills are implemented throughout each component. Students utilize technology to receive content knowledge and graphic organizers to manage information. Activities include labs with analysis questions, written responses, whole class review activities, and visual models requiring student explanation.