Week 9

 

1.) This week in class, we focused on learning about natural selection. Natural selection is the process in which organisms adapt and change in order to survive. As a result of natural selection, the frequency with which certain traits appear in a population as a whole changes. In order to learn about natural selection, we completed a few simulations. In the predator/prey simulation, our table groups were given different utensils to help us capture the most beans in 30-second intervals. The different utensils represented different traits. Each round, the person who captured the fewest beans switched their utensils (adaption) to allow them to be more successful in future rounds. This activity made it apparent how some traits are more favorable than others in terms of survival. This idea was also apparent in the rabbit and moth simulations. 

2.) Before class this week, I remember learning about natural selection. I thought that I had a good understanding of the topic, which I still believe is true, but our learning helped to expand my knowledge. If I were asked what natural selection was before class, I would have said survival of the fittest. While this definition is true, natural selection is much more. Going beyond survival of the fittest, adaptation is a major factor in natural selection. The species that can best adapt survives. As a result, the most favorable traits become more prevalent, while the most harmful traits become less common or disappear all together. Class helped to make the role of adaptation more clear. 

4.) When teaching natural selection in my future classroom, I think that the activities that we did in class would be very helpful in assisting students to get a full understanding of the topic. To move past understanding natural selection as survival of the fittest the bean activity would help to elaborate the concept. The activity would also be very engaging for many kids because humans are competitive by nature. The activity highlights that certain traits are better than others to survive and how adaptations help a species thrive in their environment. The online activities would also help to emphasize this point to students. However, if I were to use these activities, specifically the bean activity, then I think more modeling would be needed for actual students. I got a little confused myself doing some of the calculations in the bean activity; there was a learning curve. But with some explicit instruction and modeling, I think kids would be capable of completing them.