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Beaks as Tools: Selective Advantage in Changing Environments ActivityBeaks as Tools: Selective Advantage in Changing Environments Activity
Publisher
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Resource Details
Curator Rating
Educator Rating
Not yet Rated
Grade
9th - Higher Ed
Subjects
Math
3 more...
Resource Type
Activities & Projects
Audiences
For Teacher Use
1 more...
Duration
2 hrs
Instructional Strategies
Collaborative Learning
3 more...
Technology
Scientific Equipment
Video
Database & Spreadsheet
Internet Access
Year
2017
Usage Permissions
Fine Print: Educational Use
Activity

Beaks as Tools: Selective Advantage in Changing Environments

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This Beaks as Tools: Selective Advantage in Changing Environments activity also includes:
  • Beaks as Tools: Selective Advantage in Changing Environments — Summary (HTML)
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How does nature select some adaptations over others? Scholars experiment picking up seeds with two different types of tools simulating beaks. After practicing, they experience a drought where one type of seed suddenly isn't available. They learn the importance of having the right tool for the right type of food. Data collection, discussion, and analysis connect the concepts to natural selection.

14 Views 12 Downloads
CCSS: Designed

Concepts

behavior, biodiversity, ecology, evolution, speciation, the scientific method

Additional Tags

science

Instructional Ideas

  • Borrow a few tools to have on hand in case pupils don't bring any in from home, as the lesson requests

Classroom Considerations

  • Specifically designed for advanced high school and introductory college biology courses
  • Relies on prior knowledge of evolution, natural selection, variations, adaptations, survival of the fittest, and alleles

Pros

  • Designed for seven different sets of educational standards including NGSS, Common Core, IB, AP, and others
  • Includes many tips for setting up the experiment for success and helping pupils transfer their understanding to a larger context

Cons

  • None

Common Core

HSS-ID.A.3 HSS-IC.B.3 RST.9-10.7 RST.11-12.7 WHST.6-8.1.a WHST.9-10.1.a WHST.11-12.1.a MP2 MP4

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