Lesson Plan

The Making of the Fittest: Natural Selection and Adaptation

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

The pocket mouse can be light brown like the sands of the desert, or dark brown like the volcanic lava flows that are interspersed throughout New Mexico's Valley of Fire. It seems that predators have weeded out light colored mice in this volcanic landscape. Scientists examine the genetic mutation in the gene Mc1r that leads to dark colored fur and formulate an explanation. Not only will you find an award-winning video here, but also four related lesson plans and a hands-on activity for your biology class.

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CCSS: Designed
NGSS: Designed
Classroom Considerations
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Pros
  • Outstanding video has earned three different web awards
  • Four detailed lesson plans are provided to accompany the video
  • Individual additional resources are designed to meet Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards
  • A film guide is provided for teacher reference
  • Can be used in a flipped classroom scenario
Cons
  • None